DAVID Cameron has led tributes to former chancellor Lord Geoffrey Howe, who has died aged 88.

The Tory grandee was Margaret Thatcher's longest-serving Cabinet minister - but was widely held to have ended her premiership with a devastating resignation speech in 1990.

A statement issued by his family said: ''It is with deep sadness that the Howe family today announced that Geoffrey Howe died suddenly late yesterday evening, aged 88, at his home in Warwickshire, of a suspected heart attack, after enjoying a local jazz concert with his wife Elspeth.

''There will be a private family funeral, followed by a memorial service in due course. The family would be grateful for privacy at this time.''

Mr Cameron described Lord Howe as a ''kind, gentle and deeply thoughtful man'' who had ''never stopped giving strong and sound advice''.

''The Conservative family has lost one of its greats,'' the Prime Minister added.

Mr Cameron said: ''Geoffrey Howe was a kind, gentle and deeply thoughtful man - but at the same time he had huge courage and resolve.

''His time as Chancellor of the Exchequer was vital in turning the fortunes of our country around, cutting borrowing, lowering tax rates and conquering inflation. Lifting exchange controls may seem obvious now, but it was revolutionary back then. He was the quiet hero of the first Thatcher government.

''He loved his politics and never stopped giving strong and sound advice. George Osborne and I benefited greatly from his wisdom and determination to improve the state of the country. The Conservative family has lost one of its greats. Our thoughts are with his family.''