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The prime minister's father has passed away after suffering a stroke whilst on holiday in France, Downing Street has confirmed.
A Downing Street spokesman said Ian Cameron passed away shortly after the prime minister arrived at his hospital bedside in the south of the country.
Cameron was told this morning that his father was seriously ill after suffering a stroke and heart complications.
"It is with deep regret we can confirm that Ian Cameron died earlier this afternoon," Downing Street said in a statement.
"He passed away shortly after the prime minister arrived at the hospital in France where he was undergoing treatment."
Cameron missed prime minister’s questions this afternoon in order to be with his father in his final hours.
Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, who stood in for Cameron while he was on holiday and then paternity leave, filled in at PMQs.
He told the Commons: "We wish him [David Cameron], his father and their family our best wishes at this difficult time."
Former prime minister Tony Blair, who was told about the stroke while appearing on ITV's This Morning, said: "I send all my sympathy to David and to his family."
The prime minister is expected to remain in France overnight, but his movements after that have not been decided, according to the spokesman.
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