The former MP for Rossendale and Darwen Janet Anderson has died suddenly aged 73.

A minister in Tony Blair's Labour government, she also presented the first proposal to outlaw stalking to the House of Commons and played an instrumental role in the liberalisation of Sunday trading laws.

Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Mrs Anderson was secretary to Blackburn MPs Baroness Barbara Castle and Jack Straw before famously winning Rossendale and Darwen from sitting Conservative MP Sir David Trippier by just 120 votes in 1992.

Re-elected four times, she served as a government whip, including writing the daily letter to the Queen - who is understood to have appreciated her gossipy style - and being 'held hostage' in Buckingham Palace during the state opening of Parliament, before becoming minister for tourism, film and broadcasting from 1998 to 2001, where she was responsible for bringing in free television licences to the over 75s.

Following the 2001 election she returned to the backbenches, serving on the home affairs and culture, media and sport select committees.

In 2010 Mrs Anderson was defeated by Conservative Sir Jake Berry by 4,493 votes on an 8.9 per cent swing, as Labour lost control of the Commons.

Former Home and Foreign Secretary and Blackburn MP for 36 years, Jack Straw, said: "Janet Anderson was a force of nature.

"She was terrific company, but better to be a friend and not foe of hers. She took no prisoners in argument.

"She was a committed socialist all her life, outraged by social injustice wherever she found it, and working hard on behalf of constituents.

"She enjoyed life, and was never happier than sharing a drink (or two) with friends and colleagues, putting the world to right, with trenchant, acerbic comments about those whom she did not appreciate.

"I will miss her sorely."

Sir Jake Berry, who defeated Mrs Anderson in 2010 and has represented Rossendale and Darwen for the Tories since, said: "I was very sorry to hear of Janet’s death.

"She will be sadly missed by the many people across East Lancashire who knew her.

"Although we had our political differences, I have only the utmost respect for her service, hard work and commitment to Rossendale and Darwen over the 18 years that she was our MP."

Mrs Anderson was married twice - to Vincent Humphreys with whom she had three children, David, James and Katie - and after her divorce to the Labour MP Jim Dowd.

Current Blackburn MP, Kate Hollern, said: "Janet was a dedicated servant to the people of Rossendale and Darwen for 18 years, and formed many close friendships over that long period – myself included.

"My sincerest condolences her family at this incredibly sad time."

Darwen West Labour Councillor Dave Smith said: "This is terrible news. Really sad.

"She was an excellent MP - always trying to help people.

"Janet was a real character. Part of her job was to meet the Queen and she loved that, saying Her late Majesty had a great personality with a great sense of humour."

Rossendale Council leader, Cllr Alyson Barnes, added: "It was a shock. Janet will be widely and fondly remembered."

Mrs Anderson received some notoriety when shadow minister for women in October 1996 for joking in an interview that women would become 'more promiscuous' under a Labour Government, and in May 2009 for claiming car mileage expenses estimated to add up to five round trips to her constituency each week parliament sat.

Away from politics, she enjoyed swimming, playing the piano, listening to opera, gardening and cooking Sunday roasts for her family, and she was also fluent in French.