David Cameron leads tributes after Geoffrey Howe dies

David Cameron has led tributes to former chancellor Lord Geoffrey Howe, who has died aged 88.

The Tory grandee was Margaret Thatcher’s longest-serving Cabinet minister – but was widely held to have ended her premiership with a devastating resignation speech in 1990.

A statement issued by his family said: “It is with deep sadness that the Howe family today announced that Geoffrey Howe died suddenly late yesterday evening, aged 88, at his home in Warwickshire, of a suspected heart attack, after enjoying a local jazz concert with his wife Elspeth.

“There will be a private family funeral, followed by a memorial service in due course. The family would be grateful for privacy at this time.”

Mr Cameron described Lord Howe as a “kind, gentle and deeply thoughtful man” who had “never stopped giving strong and sound advice”.

“The Conservative family has lost one of its greats,” the Prime Minister added.