THE former Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green has died.

Family and close friends of Rudi Vis have announced the popular politician lost his battle with cancer on Sunday night.

The 69-year-old had been ill for some time and and party colleagues were told his health had worsened over the past week.

Rudi sent an emotional open letter to the Times-Series in April to inform people he had been diagnosed with incurable cancer.

He had decided not to stand for the parliamentary seat at last month's the General Election, which he had held for 13 years, due to his illness.

In the letter, he wrote of his enjoyment of politics, his close bond with the constituency and his friendships with voters and politicians of all parties.

He reserved special thanks for the mother of his 15-year-old twins and wife of 25 years, Jacqui, whom he described as “utterly marvellous”.

Born in the Netherlands, Rudi studied Economics and was a lecturer at what became the University of East London from 1971 to 1996.

He stood as a councillor in 1986, 1990 and 1994, before winning the newly created parliamentary constituency of Finchley and Golders Green in 1997 with more than 46 per cent of the vote.

Rudi also sat on the Council of Europe and was vocal on his opposition to the Iraq conflict.

One political profile said of Rudi: “Without being a dogmatic member of the left, he is one of the least naturally loyal of Labour's London MPs.”

He was also noted to be “an infrequent speaker in the Commons” but was recognised to usually speak on constituency matters when he did appear.

The family are still waiting to confirm the final details for the funeral.

Readers are invited to leave their tributes to Rudi below...