Tory grandee Nicholas Scott dies aged 71

Former Northern Ireland minister Sir Nicholas Scott has died at 71.

In a short statement, his family said: "Sir Nicholas Scott, former minister for Northern Ireland and Minister for Disabled People and MP for Chelsea 1974-1997, died today, 6 January 2005, at Nazareth House, Hammersmith, following a long illness, diagnosed as Alzheimer's."

Sir Nicholas was replaced as the Tory member for Kensington and Chelsea by Alan Clark, after being deselected by his constituency in December 1996.

His deselection followed a series of scandals including being found slumped in the street by police during the Tory party conference in Bournemouth.

Sir Nicholas claimed strong painkillers for a back problem had reacted badly with a small amount of alcohol.

After his sacking, he said that the Eurosceptics in his constituency were " absolutely determined to get rid of me".

His colourful career also included a public disagreement with daughter Victoria over civil rights for the disabled. Tory leader Michael Howard said: "I'm extremely sorry to hear of Nicholas Scott's death. He made a distinguished contribution to his country and his party. He will be much missed."

He leaves one son and two daughters by his first wife, Elizabeth, from whom he was divorced in 1976. In 1979 he married Cecilia Tapsell with whom he had a son and a daughter. A memorial service is to be held on 1 February at Chelsea Old Church.