The former deputy leader of the Conservative party Michael Ancram, who was also previously MP for Devizes, has died aged 79.

Known as the 13th Marquis of Lothian, he had a political career of five decades, two of which he spent representing the Wiltshire constituency.

After retiring from the House of Commons in 2010, he joined the House of Lords as a life peer.

READ MORE: Former Conservative Party deputy leader Michael Ancram dies aged 79

MP for Melksham & Devizes, Brian Mathew (left) and MP for East Wiltshire, Danny Kruger (right).MP for Melksham & Devizes, Brian Mathew (left) and MP for East Wiltshire, Danny Kruger (right). (Image: Newsquest) His family announced that he died in hospital after a short illness on Tuesday, October 1.

The current Liberal Democrat MP for Melksham and Devizes, Brian Mathew, took to X after hearing the news.

He wrote: “RIP Michael Ancram.

“He served with distinction as the MP for Devizes.

“A survivor of the Brighton bombing he pioneered the peace process in Northern Ireland.

“A one nation Tory and a gentleman, he will be missed.

“My thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Conservative MP Danny Kruger, who was MP for Devizes before transitioning to the new constituency of East Wiltshire, also shared his condolences.

He said: “Sad news of the death of Michael Ancram, my predecessor-but-one as MP for Devizes.

“Michael was a great Conservative and a much loved MP.

“He helped our Party recover its principles & purpose after 1997; we could use his wisdom now.

“A long life well lived in the public service.”