Tony Blair has paid tribute to his “immensely valued” and “wonderful” former colleague Candy Atherton, who has died aged 62.

Ms Atherton was elected as MP for Falmouth and Camborne, Cornwall, as one of the “Blair babes” of Mr Blair’s first Labour government in 1997.

She served the constituency for eight years until her defeat in 2005 and later became a councillor in Falmouth.

Cornwall Council chairman Mary May said she acted as a “dedicated, committed and passionate public servant for Cornwall,” who “always put people first”.

Mr Blair said: “Candy Atherton was an immensely valued MP, a wonderful colleague who was a delight to be around and someone who represented her constituency and Cornwall with extraordinary distinction.”