Politicians from across the divide have paid tribute to former Brent North MP Sir Rhodes Boyson, who has died after a long illness.

The former Conservative MP, who held the seat from 1974 to 1997 and served in a number of junior ministerial positions in Margaret Thatcher’s government, died aged 87 on Tuesday.

The man who took his seat in the 1997 General Election, Labour’s Barry Gardiner, said he was “still remembered with affection by many people as a caring and hardworking constituency MP”.

He added: “Whilst we differed in our political allegiance our interactions were always characterised by great personal courtesy and respect.

“It was with sadness that I heard of his passing on Tuesday and my sympathies and those of many others in Brent go to his surviving family.”

Sir Rhodes, a former headteacher knighted in 1987, was known for his traditional views on education, supporting the right to use corporal punishment and opposing the mass introduction of comprehensives.

He reportedly grew his trademark mutton chop sideburns in exchange for sixth-form students he taught agreeing to cut their long hair.

Harrow Conservative leader, Councillor Susan Hall, labelled him “one of the true great characters of his political era”.

She added: “With his passing British politics has become a little less interesting. He was a politician who, even if you didn't agree with him, you could never question the passion and commitment in his beliefs and viewpoints.

“He was a pure ideologist in political world where ideology has increasingly given way to pragmatism and compromise.

“Though he never achieved high office, he came into politics after a hugely distinguished career in education, and continued to preach the importance of good schooling throughout his career. He was also known for being a fine constituency MP, and his passing has brought back so many stories of his character, charm and sense of humour.”

His funeral service is at Pinner Methodist Church in Love Lane on Wednesday September 5 at 2pm to be followed by a private cremation. His family asked for well-wishers to donate to the Alzheimer’s Society.