WORCESTERSHIRE MEP Philip Bradbourn has died, the Conservative Party has announced today. 

Leading politicians around the county are paying tribute to the 63-year-old, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer shortly after being re-elected in May. 

The veteran politician, who passed away last night, represented the West Midlands in the European Parliament and was a popular figure within Worcester's Tory ranks.

Mr Bradbourn has been described as a "one off" by Ashley Fox, leader of the Conservative MEPs. 

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Philip's dedication to public service was truly admirable, he was a well respected and effective MEP. 

"In a political career which spanned four decades he showed great passion in serving both the party and his constituents. 

"My thoughts are with Philip's family at this sad time." 

Grant Shapps, Conservative Party chairman, added: "He will be solely missed by his friends and colleagues in the party. 

"Philip was a loyal and dedicated member of the party since he was a teenager, holding a vast variety of local and national positions over the years." 

On Twitter Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles said it was "very sad" news, calling him a "chum" for 45 years. 

Councillor Adrian Hardman, the leader of Worcestershire County Council, said: "What a blow, a good friend to us at County Hall, and took up our issues with effect." 

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, a former Worcester Mayor, and current cabinet member at both the city and county council, said: "So sad to hear the news that Phil Bradbourn, one of our West Midlands MEPs has died. 

"He came out campaigning with us on many occasions." 

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin re-tweeted a post from Conservative Women, saying the group's "thoughts and prayers" were with his family. 

Mr Bradbourn was awarded the OBE for public and political service in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 1994. 

He was first elected to the European Parliament in 1999 and was a staunch advocate for the transfer of more Brussels powers back to the UK. 

Prior to that he was a councillor and senior local authority worker in his native Black Country. 

Under European rules there will be no by-election in the region, with the vacancy due to be filled from a replacement list over the coming weeks.