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Lord Geoffrey Howe, former Tory chancellor, dies aged 88 Geoffrey Howe, former Conservative chancellor, dies aged 88
(35 minutes later)
Former Chancellor Lord Geoffrey Howe has died after suffering a suspected heart attack, his family has announced. Former Conservative Chancellor Geoffrey Howe has died at the age of 88 after suffering a suspected heart attack, his family has announced.
The Conservative politician, who served as chancellor for four years under Margaret Thatcher, died on Friday night. Lord Howe, who served as chancellor for four years under Margaret Thatcher, died on Friday night.
His resignation speech in 1990 is widely seen as a central factor in Lady Thatcher's downfall as prime minister.His resignation speech in 1990 is widely seen as a central factor in Lady Thatcher's downfall as prime minister.
David Cameron led tributes, saying: "The Conservative family has lost one of its greats." David Cameron led tributes to Lord Howe, saying: "The Conservative family has lost one of its greats."
The prime minister described Lord Howe as "the quiet hero of the first Thatcher government".
"George Osborne and I benefited greatly from his wisdom and determination to improve the state of the country," he added.
Lord Geoffrey Howe: ObituaryLord Geoffrey Howe: Obituary
During his time as an MP, Lord Howe also served as deputy prime minister and leader of the House of Commons and was Lady Thatcher's longest-serving Cabinet minister.During his time as an MP, Lord Howe also served as deputy prime minister and leader of the House of Commons and was Lady Thatcher's longest-serving Cabinet minister.
But BBC political correspondent Robin Brant said his resignation had a "devastating impact" on her premiership. But BBC political correspondent Robin Brant said his resignation was a "devastating blow" to her premiership.
His family said he died at his home in Warwickshire after attending a jazz concert with his wife Elspeth. In a famous speech to the Commons, shortly after his resignation as deputy prime minister, he used a cricket metaphor to describe Mrs Thatcher's attitude to British negotiations in Europe.
"It is rather like sending your opening batsmen to the crease, only to find... that their bats have been broken before the game by the team captain," he said.
Lady Thatcher later said he had become a "source of division and a focus of resentment".
'Quiet hero'
Mr Cameron said Lord Howe had played a "vital" role in "turning the fortunes of our country around" as chancellor.
The prime minister described him as "the quiet hero of the first Thatcher government".
"Geoffrey Howe was a kind, gentle and deeply thoughtful man - but at the same time he had huge courage and resolve," the prime minister said.
He added: " "He loved his politics and never stopped giving strong and sound advice. George Osborne and I benefited greatly from his wisdom and determination to improve the state of the country."
His family said Lord Howe of Aberavon died at his home in Warwickshire after attending a jazz concert with his wife Elspeth.
A statement added: "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."A statement added: "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."