Former Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam has died.

Dr Mowlam, Labour MP for Redcar between 1987-2001, who previously suffered a brain tumour, died at the Pilgrim's Hospice in Canterbury, Kent, at 8.10am.

She had difficulties with her balance as a result of radiotherapy treatment for the tumour. Earlier this month she fell and banged her head and never regained consciousness.

Dr Mowlam was taken to King's College Hospital and was transferred last week to the hospice.

She had earlier asked not to be resuscitated and in the last few days food and water were withdrawn.

Family representative Brian Basham said: "Mo Mowlam passed away today at 8.10 am. Her family wishes to thank the many well wishers who have sent cards, messages and flowers and to say that, although, the funeral will be a private family occasion, there will be a memorial event in a few months.

"The family requests that flowers are not sent and suggests that, as an alternative, friends might like to make a charitable donation to the Pilgrim's Hospice, in 56 London Road, Canterbury, CT2 8JA."

Her death comes less than two weeks after former Foreign Secretary Robin Cook died.

Dr Mowlam - one of New Labour's most popular figures - stood down from the Commons at the 2001 general election after 14 years as an MP.

Tony Blair made her Northern Ireland Secretary when Labour swept to power in 1997 and she quickly made a name for herself as a down-to-earth and brutally honest operator. She won widespread acclaim for her perseverance in working towards the Good Friday peace agreement the following year. Her achievements were all the more remarkable because she was recovering from treatment for the brain tumour at the time.