Outspoken Conservative politican held a number of junior ministerial roles under Margaret Thatcher’s Government

Former Conservative Brent North MP Sir Rhodes Boyson has died at the age of 87.

Born in Lancashire on May 11, 1925, Sir Rhodes was a school teacher before becoming an MP.

After entering the political ring by winning his Brent seat in 1974 he held a number of junior ministerial roles under Margaret Thatcher’s Government.

He was ousted by Labour’s Barry Gardiner in 1997 who has led on to the seat since then.

During his time as a politician he was known for his outspoken views on corporal punishment, which he supported and gay rights, which he opposed.

He was knighted and made a member of the Privy Council in 1987.

Paying tribute to his political opponent, Mr Gardiner said: “Sir Rhodes Boyson is still remembered with affection by many people locally as a caring and hardworking constituency MP.

“Whilst we differed in our political allegiance our interactions were always characterised by great personal courtesy and respect.

“It was with sadness that I heard of his passing and my sympathies and those of many others in Brent go to his surviving family.”

Sir Rhodes passed away on Tuesday following a long illness.

Would you like to pay tribute to Sir Rhodes?

You can do so by sending an email to lorraine.king@archant.co.uk or call 020 7433 622.