Parliament can be a rather daunting place for new arrivals, but the kindness Tessa showed me upon my arrival in 2010 was a tremendous help. She provided me with invaluable advice as new MP that I still make use of today as a junior Minister.

As an outgoing Labour cabinet Minister, welcoming a newly-elected Conservative MP is not something that many would have thought it her duty to do. But Tessa did it anyway – not just to me but to numerous others across all parties. And this was characteristic of her because - and I think the many tributes over recent days have proved this - she genuinely did evoke admiration from figures across the political spectrum, not just for her remarkable personality, charisma and warmth, but also for what she achieved in Government.

She will be remembered for many things, but her part in bringing the Olympics to London shines through. Despite Labour being voted out of Government in 2010, her central position in the process meant she continued as a key player on the organising committee that ensured the Games were are successful as they were. Even her devastating diagnosis with brain cancer last year could not stop her fighting to improve people’s lives, as she showed with such dignity and courage this past year in her work to improve research and treatment for the acute cancer she was living with.

Tessa split her time between London and her home near Shipston, meaning I had the privilege of being her MP. She adored Warwickshire and it was always a pleasure to see her and her husband David at events in the constituency, particularly at performances by the Orchestra of the Swan of which she was a great supporter.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and hope they can take solace in Tessa’s wonderful legacy.