THE TELEGRAPH: David Cameron's father Ian has died in hospital in France after suffering a stroke.
The Prime Minister was at his father's bedside, having broken off his political engagements to rush to Toulon where his parents had been in the middle of a two-week holiday.
His mother, Mary, had called with news of the illness shortly before 7am, prompting him to cancel a scheduled appearance at Prime Minister's Question Time.
The Prime Minister travelled without his wife Samantha, who gave birth to the couple's fourth child last month. However he was accompanied on a commercial flight from London's City airport by his brother Alex and sister Clare.
Downing Street said Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, intervened to arrange a helicopter to rush Mr Cameron to the hospital so he could see his father.
Sources close to the PM said he was "incredibly grateful" that the French authorities had provided air transport. It is understood he would probably not have been able to reach his father in time otherwise.
Friends said he was "relieved" to have been at the bedside, and was "pleased" that his father died peacefully and during a "happy family holiday". >>> Andrew Porter, Political Editor | Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Related >>>
