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Good Morning Britain was brought to a halt this morning as hosts Suanna Reid and Richard Madeley delivered a tragic update. They shared that former Conservative MP, Norman Tebbit, had died aged 94.

Susanna shared: "Breaking news this morning, Lord Norman Tebbit, one of Margaret Thatcher's most loyal supporters has died at the age of 94. He was one of the most high-profile victims of the IRA's bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton back in 1984. He was Conservative party chairman and he famously said about his father that he got on his bike and looked for work." Richard added that he was "very much a character of his time" as he explained that the politician was also an RAF fighter pilot. They then welcomed current Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander onto the ITV show, who was due to make an appearance anyway but decided to change the interview up to ask her about the recent death.

She said: "Good morning Susanna and Richard. Can I express my condolences to his family and those who worked with him, irrespective of political views."

She added: "I can't say that I share a similar political outlook or philosophy to him, but obviously, people who have served as Members of Parliament and devoted their lives to public service should be thanked for that. It will be a sad day for his family and those that knew him."

Tebbit was the employment minister who famously said his father, during a period of high unemployment in the 1930s, "didn't riot. He got on his bike and looked for work, and he kept looking till he found it."

The comment became symbolic of the Thatcher era when Conservatives attempted to end a culture of reliance on the state, and instead encouraged self-reliance and work.

Lord Tebbit was also known for his bravery during the IRA bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton, as the Conservatives held their 1984 Conservative Party conference.

His wife, Margaret, was injured and left permanently disabled. Announcing his death today, his son William said he had died "peacefully at home".