As a civil servant who worked with JB (as he was affectionately known) over the past 11 years this is such a huge loss to Government, politics and his family. He wasn’t the sort of minister who would just read advice and give a yes or no decision, he was thoughtful, he engaged with the issues, he was open to honest and frank conversation about the best way forward. These are the best qualities of a Minister and he was always excellent at the despatch box. On top of all of that he was a thoroughly lovely person - even when he disagreed with the advice received he was civil, measured and one of the politest people I’ve ever met. He will be missed