James Brokenshire taking time off after lung cancer returns

Government James Brokenshire is taking leave to have surgery on a lung tumour.

The security minister was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017 and required surgery to remove the upper lobe of his right lung.

On Monday he said “frustratingly” there had been been a recurrance of the tumour in the same lung.

The Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup MP added on Twitter he was “taking leave for curative surgery” and was “in good hands with the fantastic NHS team who’ve been looking after me”.

He said he was “blessed to have the love” of his wife Cathy and three children “to support me through this”.

Mr Brokenshire’s ministerial boss, home secretary Priti Patel, is among MPs who have expressed their support for the 53-year-old following the news.

Ms Patel, said she was “saddened” to learn of the minister’s new cancer battle, adding. “All my thoughts and prayers are with James and his family during this time.

Frustratingly, have a recurrence of a tumour in one part of my right lung. Taking leave for curative surgery. In good hands with the fantastic #NHS team who’ve been looking after me. Keeping positive and blessed to have the love of Cathy & the kids to support me through this. pic.twitter.com/sNChNHXodQ

— James Brokenshire (@JBrokenshire) January 11, 2021

“All colleagues across government send James our love and best wishes and we look forward to having him back soon.”

The prime minister, Boris Johnson, also posted a message of support. He said: “My thoughts are very much with you, Cathy and the children, James. Wishing you all the best for your treatment and looking forward to welcoming you back on the team soon.”

Health secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: “So sorry to hear this James. Sending my best wishes for a speedy recovery.”

Northern Ireland’s first minister Arlene Foster said she was “very sorry” to hear about Mr Brokenshire’s illness.

“We will be thinking about you and the family. Best wishes. Look forward to seeing you back at the XO (EU exit operations) meetings.”

And Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “Wishing you all the best for your treatment, James. Get well soon.”