Former Northern Ireland secretary Mo Mowlam died this morning in a hospice.
Ms Mowlam (55), who previously suffered a brain tumour, died at the Pilgrim's Hospice in Canterbury, Kent, at 8.10am.
Ms Mowlam 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.
She 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 She had earlier asked not to be resuscitated and in the past few days food and water were withdrawn.
Family representative Brian Basham said: "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.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
"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. 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.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said her death would be met with a great sense of sadness by all who knew her.
"Even at her lowest moments, she always seemed to have enough energy and enthusiasm to lift an occasion and to inspire those around her. No matter what the challenge, Mo tackled it with courage and sincerity," Mr Ahern said.
"She was a politician and a person whom the Irish people held in great affection and esteem."
British Prime Minister, Tony Blair described as Mowlam "one of the most remarkable and colourful personalities" ever to enter British politics. He said she had "transformed" the politics of Northern Ireland as well as playing a key role in the creation of New Labour.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair
Mr 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 honest operator.
Her achievements were all the more remarkable because she was recovering from treatment for the brain tumour at the time.
She took a particular political risk in 1998 by entering the infamous Maze Prison to speak to convicted paramilitaries when it became clear the peace process needed their backing. Loyalist UDA/UFF prisoners had previously withdrawn their support.
After her face-to-face talks with the prisoners, the paramilitaries' political representatives announced they were rejoining the talks.
In 1999 she was replaced by Peter Mandelson and moved to become Cabinet "enforcer". But her time in the post was marked by a steady stream of reports that someone in high places was briefing against her.
There were also claims that Mr Blair had been angered when the Labour Party conference gave her a longer standing ovation than him.
The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland Dr Seán Brady said Ms Mowlam "made a unique and enduring contribution to Northern Ireland politics at a critical time"
"She faced her illness, as she did so many things, with a courageous and no-nonsense determination to get on with things.
"She had an ability to see the lighter side of life despite of the many challenges which life can throw at us. I think this is what made her so popular with people in Northern Ireland.
"I pray that her husband and family will find some comfort in the gratitude and affection of so many people who benefited from her generous and determined work, not least here in Northern Ireland."