A Southeastern train has been named in honour of former Old Bexley and Sidcup MP James Brokenshire.

Mr Brokenshire, who died from lung cancer in October last year, campaigned for rail improvements in 2014, after statistics revealed that train services across Bexley had worsened in the previous year.

The City Beam train, which bears Mr Brokenshire's name, was unveiled to rail minister Wendy Morton today (January 31). 

Mr Brokenshire's widow Catherine Brokenshire said: "This is so special, because ever since he was a boy James just adored trains.

"Having one of his very own would have made him laugh with delight."

The former minister began his campaign eight years ago, after data showed 60 per cent of delays to Southeastern network passengers was caused by Network Rail failures.

He urged Network rail to improve its services, meeting Network Rail's route manger Steve Cassidy. 

Mr Brokenshire, who served as Northern Ireland secretary and security minister, was first diagnosed with lung cancer after coughing up a small amount of blood in 2017.

He underwent surgery to remove the upper lobe of his right lung, after which appeared to be making a full recovery.

The pandemic meant that some of his regular scans were delayed for several months, and after he again coughed up blood in December 2020, it was confirmed the cancer had returned and the rest of his right lung was removed.

Last summer, he learned the disease had spread to other parts of his body.

A few days after being put on a ventilator, Mr Brokenshire passed away on October 7.

Speaking publicly for the first time his death last week, Cathy Brokenshire called for a national screening programme for the disease to improve poor survival rates.

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