West Midlands Tory MEP dies aged 63

The Tory MEP was diagnosed with bowel cancer shortly after being re-elected in May and passed away on Friday night.

Mr Bradbourn, who was also a parliamentary candidate for Wolverhampton South East in the 1992 general election was described as a 'one off' by Ashley Fox, leader of the Conservative MEPs.

Mr Fox also said Mr Bradbourn was "a much loved character who could always be relied on for a robust intervention and a succinct summary of a political point".

The Prime Minister David Cameron also paid tribute: "Philip's dedication to public service was truly admirable; he was a well-respected and effective MEP. In a political career which spanned over four decades, he showed great passion in serving both the party and his constituents.

"My thoughts are with Philip's family at this sad time."

Councillor Andrew Wynne, who represents Tettenhall Wightwick, said: "Phil was a very good friend to Wolverhampton.

"Having worked at the council he knew the issues affecting the area and was a strong promoter of the city.

"He will be much missed.

"Phil was a conscientious representative and a popular figure who never forgot his roots or the friends he had made during his political life.

"His passing is a huge loss to both the city and the Conservative party."

Born in Tipton in 1951, Mr Bradbourn was educated at Tipton Grammar School and then at Wulfrun College and Worcester College where he obtained a post-graduate Diploma in Municipal Administration in 1972.

Shropshire MEP Jill Seymour, UKIP's transport spokesman, said: "I'm very sad to hear of the death of fellow West Midlands MEP Philip Bradbourn.

"He was a highly respected, honest, conscientious and hard working man who dedicated most of his life to politics, and was always a true gentleman. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

He was awarded the OBE for public and political service in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 1994.

Raised in the Black Country, he lived in the area all of his life.

Grant Shapps, chairman of the Conservative Party, added: "Born and bred in the Black Country, Philip took immense pride in championing the West Midlands in his role as Member of the European Parliament. He will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues in the party.

"Philip was a loyal and dedicated member of the party since he was a teenager, holding a vast variety of local and national positions over many years."

He served in the European Parliament since 1999 and was a resolute defender of the British taxpayers' interests in Brussels and Strasbourg.

He has been actively involved in blocking EU legislation on Common Immigration and Asylum Policies within the EU and has campaigned actively for powers currently with Brussels to be returned to UK control.

Councillor Jonathan Yardley, who represents Tettenhal Regis ward, said: "I knew Philip personally and I am shocked at his sudden passing.

"He was an excellent European MEP for our region, he was hard working and a very proud man.

"I attended a speech he made just recently for constituents in Wolverhampton South West and he was very enthusiastic about the party's future plans, he was at the top of his game.

"He was more than capable of standing out in his job and it is a terrible loss to lose such a hard working European MEP.

"My thoughts and condolences are with his family at this sad time."