Tributes today poured in for former Shipley MP Sir Marcus Fox who died at the weekend with his family by his bedside. He was 74.

The veteran MP represented Shipley for 27 years until he lost his seat in the 1997 General Election to Labour's Chris Leslie.

Sir Marcus, who had suffered a series of strokes in the past few years, was one of the Tory Government's most influential politicians during his service and was chairman of the powerful backbench 1922 Committee.

He was knighted in 1986 and highly respected by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who made him a junior minister at the Department of the Environment in her first Government.

In 1976 he was appointed vice-chairman of the national Conservative Party with responsibility for selection of parliamentary candidates.

He was a former president of the Association of Conservative Clubs and a director of at least four companies.

He is survived by his widow, Lady Ann Fox, and two children.

Today John Hardy, of Shipley Constituency Conservative Party, said: "He was a great servant for the party and the district. He was a man of great integrity, who held many high offices and was respected by people from all political parties."

But he said Sir Marcus had been unwell since his defeat in the General Election and it was an event which anyone would have found difficult to come to terms with.

Conservative Rombalds Ward councillor Dale Smith said: "I have known him for more than 40 years and he was absolutely dedicated.

"We grieve for his family and are thinking of them at this very sad time."

And MP Mr Leslie said: "While we might have had disagreements over policy, I came to respect the job he had to do. He was a key player in a number of political events and I have every sympathy for his family."

He said many people in Parliament had asked about Sir Marcus since he left the House and he had been liked and respected by many people.

Former Lord Mayor and Heaton Conservative councillor Stanley King said: "He was a hard-working and astute politician who was recognised at national level and did a great deal for his constituents."

Shipley West Conservative councillor John Carroll, who was Sir Marcus's agent at the General Election, said: "He was a guide and mentor and had come up through the ranks and made it to the top of the back bench branch in the party. He will be sadly missed."

Sir Marcus had been in Brookfield Nursing Home, Nab Wood, during his illness and the family were with him when he died.

Details of the funeral are expected to be announced this week.