SIR Bernard Jenkin has called for ill MPs to be allowed a proxy vote in the Commons after the death of Dame Cheryl Gillan.

It comes after the Harwich and North Essex MP paid a tearful tribute to “a trusted colleague and a dear friend.”

Dame Cheryl died on April 5 at the age of 68 with cancer.

Sir Bernard was elected in the same year as Dame Cheryl in 1992 and became close with her in the 29 years which followed.

He has now called for a change to allow MPs "incapacitated by sickness" to still vote in the Commons, something only permitted for pregnant MPs.

He said: ““Her failing health and then cancer was particularly bitter for her because, while the house now allows, outside Covid restrictions, proxy voting for MPs who are pregnant, we still do not give proxy votes to people who are incapacitated by sickness.

“Perhaps we should have a campaign to rectify this and call this campaign Cheryl’s vote.”

In an emotional tribute, Sir Bernard explained how the late MP for Chesham and Amersham was “terrific fun and a champion of women in politics.”

He added: “She was probably underestimated because she did not employ sharp elbows to get in front of her colleagues.

“She knew how to get far more out of witnesses than most people because she was also gentle and polite. She became to me, particularly in later years, one of my most trusted friends.

“We will sorely miss a trusted colleague and a dear friend.”