One of the district’s MPs has spoken of his shock following the sudden death of his secretary from breast cancer.

Claire Gagneux, 62, who worked as Philip Davies’ secretary since he was elected as Shipley MP in 2005, has been found dead at her London home.

Mr Davies (pictured) said he was “shocked” by the death of a superb secretary and paid tribute to Miss Gagneux who could “put her hands on any file straight away”.

Today, the Tory MP added he was sure his constituents woud be understanding and patient as he attempts to tackle a backlog of voter’s issues that have not received normal attention since the tragedy.

Mr Davies said: “The post mortem said she died of breast cancer.

“Whether she knew or not is not clear, she never mentioned it, but she was a very private person.

“She told me she was feeling ill and needed to go to see her doctor and she got a two-week sick note.

“Then some friends went round to her house and found her dead.

“It’s been an awful shock and her death will leave a massive gap.”