David Cameron’s father Ian dies

Prime Minister David Cameron's father Ian has died after suffering a stroke while on holiday in the south of France. Downing Street issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon saying that he passed away shortly after Cameron and other members of his family arrived at the hospital where he was being treated.

Earlier the Tory leader had cancelled his appearance at Prime Minister's Questions after talking to local doctors and his mother, Mary, who rang with the news early on Wednesday.

Cameron immediately flew out to France with his brother Alex and sister Clare to be at his father's bedside. His parents were thought to be midway through a two-week holiday when Ian fell ill.

Cameron has described the 77-year-old (pictured above with David) as a "huge hero figure" to him. He was born with severe deformities in his legs and after repeated operations doctors were eventually forced to amputate them. The former stockbroker had also lost the sight in one eye.

In an interview with ITV before the election Cameron described his father as "an amazingly brave man because he was born with no heels - quite a disability. But the glass with him was half-full, normally with something alcoholic. I think I got my sense of optimism from him."

The Prime Minister has also attributed his 'Big Society' idea to his parents. "They showed me how a big society could work every day I was growing up," he said. "And if we win, nothing will make me happier than to take that idea - using the values they gave me - to help bring our country together."

His father's death comes just over a fortnight after the birth of his daughter Florence, who arrived a month early while he and his wife Samantha were on holiday in Cornwall.

In 2009 the family suffered another loss when the Camerons' eldest son Ivan, who was severely disabled, passed away at the age of six. The couple have two other children, Nancy and Arthur.

Nick Clegg, who stood in for Cameron this summer, first while he was on holiday and again when he went on paternity leave, was forced to step into the breach once again and field Prime Minister's questions.

He and other political leaders expressed their sorrow at the news. ·