Longest-serving female Lib Dem MP passes away
Dame Annette Brooke served Mid-Dorset and North Poole from 2001 to 2015
A former Dorset MP has passed away at the age of 78.
Dame Annette Brooke served Mid-Dorset and North Poole from 2001 to 2015 and was voted MP of the year in 2010.
The leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, said: "My heart is full of sadness today, as we have lost a dear friend and wonderful former colleague, Annette Brooke.
"Annette dedicated her life to public service, always fighting for the people who needed her voice.
"She served her local community with great dedication as a Councillor and later Mayor.
"Annette made history, not only by being the first woman to be elected as an MP in a general election in Dorset, through her tireless campaigning, she also went on to become the longest-serving female MP for the Liberal Democrats.
"The countless people she helped over her wonderful life of public service will miss her deeply.
"My thoughts and prayers are with her wonderful family, friends, and the Dorset community."