Tributes paid to former Plymouth MP Oliver Colvile

Oliver Colvile was loved on all sides of the House of Commons, said Conservative former minister Graham Stuart

Tributes have been paid in Parliament to former Conservative MP Oliver Colvile, who has died aged 64.

Mr Colvile represented Plymouth Sutton and Devonport from 2010 to 2017.

He was known for his advocacy for hedgehogs and in 2015 called for the animals to become a national symbol of the UK.

His death was announced in the House of Commons, with shadow health secretary Stuart Andrew leading the tributes, describing Mr Colvile as "a true gentleman, whose eccentricities always endeared him to many".

Mr Andrew said: "He was named by Conservative Home as one of the minority of Conservative MPs not to have voted against the government, something as a previous whip, I thought was exceptional. I'm sure the whole house's thoughts are with his family."

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: "We all remember Oliver Colvile very fondly, who really was a good MP, nice kind of guy to meet. I knew Oliver way before he came in this House. We're all saddened to hear it."

Health Secretary Wes Streeting added: "He was a decent man, wonderful public servant, we will all share in that."

'Loved and respected'

Conservative former minister Graham Stuart said: "Oliver Colvile was loved on all sides of this House.

"And as we are going to have the 175th anniversary dinner of Lords and Commons cricket, it's worth remembering one of the most famous wickets ever taken, which was in India on live television watched by tens of millions when Oliver Colvile bowled and took that wicket, and I've never seen a triumph like it.

"He'll be much missed, and he was always loved and respected when he was in the house."

Luke Pollard, Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: "We have different politics but we share a passion for our city. I send my condolences to his friends and family. RIP Oliver."