Kent MPs have paid tribute to Labour MP Jack Dromey after his shock death.

The 73-year-old father-of-three died suddenly today in his Birmingham constituency.

Several MPs from Kent have added their voices to a wave of tributes from across the political spectrum.

Labour MP for Canterbury Rosie Duffield said that the death of "one of the most decent of MPs" had left politicans across the House "shocked, upset and showing much love and respect" for Mr Dromey and his family.

Tunbridge Wells representative Greg Clark said: "I was so shocked to hear that my friend Jack Dromey MP has died.

"Jack was a passionate champion of UK manufacturing industry and I was proud to work closely with him, regardless of party – in Government and since – to promote its strengths and its future. He will be deeply missed."

A number of politicians also passed on their well-wishes to Mr Dromey's wife, fellow Labour MP and party Grandee Harriet Harman. They married in 1982.

Born in London in 1948, the party stalwart had three children with Ms Harman, the former deputy Labour leader who announced last month she will stand down as an MP after the next general election.

MP for Chatham and Aylesford Tracey Crouch said that she felt "sick" to hear the news about Mr Dromey's sudden passing.

"He was one of the kindest colleagues who didn't define people by party," she added.

"He was so nice to me and always asked about Freddie and spoke fondly about his own family. My heart goes out to Harriet tonight."

North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale added: "Suzy’s thoughts and mine are with the ‘Mother of the House’, Harriet Harman, and her family. Losses such as this transcend the party-political divide."

Ashford representative Damian Green also passed on his condolences, and described Mr Dromey as "a tough honest and decent political opponent".

South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay retweeted a tribute from House of Commons speaker Sir Lindsey Hoyle, while Tonbridge and Malling's Tom Tugendhat said that Mr Dromey was "a kind man who served our country well".

"My thoughts and prayers are with Harriet Harman and the whole family," he added.