Sir David Mitchell, a former Conservative Cabinet minister who served in a series of high-profile roles under Margaret Thatcher, has died.
The 86-year-old died after a long illness, according to his family.
Sir David who was MP for Hampshire North West from 1964 to 1997 and served in various departments under Thatcher including transport, industry and Northern Ireland, was the father of Tory MP Andrew Mitchell.
He died at his home in Odiham, Hampshire, in the early hours of this morning.
A family spokesman said: "Sir David Mitchell, the former Member of Parliament for Hampshire North West and minister in the Thatcher governments has died today aged 86.
"The family has expressed its gratitude to the health professionals and carers who enabled him to die peacefully in his own home."
