Housing and government figures have paid tribute to former housing secretary James Brokenshire, who died on Friday.

Brokenshire, who spent 15 months as housing secretary during Theresa May’s time as prime minister, passed away following a long battle with cancer at the age of 53.

Most recently Brokenshire was a Home Office minister, but took leave from his duties this summer after a recurrence of a tumour on his right lung.

He served as secretary of state at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government between April 2018 and July 2019, before being replaced by Robert Jenrick.

Mark Hayward, propertymark chief policy advisor, commented: “Our thoughts are with his friends and family. While Immigration Minister, he took a very hands-on approach to the role of co-chair of the Landlord Stakeholder panel navigating the implementation of Right to Rent checks.

“It is unusual for a minister to attend the number of stakeholder panel meetings that he did at that time, believing in the importance of giving complex issues a thorough hearing across a wide range of interest groups.”

The Home Builders Federation, on Twitter, said: “James always showed himself to be a dedicated, decent and thoughtful cabinet minister who was happy to listen to different arguments and engage with everyone. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues”.

Before his time as housing secretary, he was secretary of state for Northern Ireland for two years between 2016 and 2018. He had also been an MP for 16 years. He was elected as MP for Hornchurch in 2005 and then Old Bexley and Sidcup in 2010.

Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation (NHF), commented: “Such sad news about James Brokenshire. He was a brilliant secretary of state – intelligent, engaged and collaborative.

“I’ll remember James for the kindness and support he showed me when I joined the NHF.

“A lovely man and a huge loss. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”

He leaves behind his wife Cathy and three children.

In a statement released on his Twitter page by his family, they said that he was a loving father and a devoted husband, and asked for people to respect their privacy at this time.