Tory MP Nick Boles reveals he has been diagnosed with cancer for a second time

The MP had previously beaten the disease nine years ago

Nick Boles, Conservative MP

A Conservative MP has revealed that he has been diagnosed with cancer for a second time.

Nick Boles, a former minister, beat the disease nine years ago but said doctors at a London hospital had found a cancerous tumour in his head.

He joked that the tumour might explain “a lot about my recent behaviour”.

The Grantham and Stamford MP tweeted: “Some news: doctors have found a cancerous tumour in my head.

“Some of you might think that explains a lot about my recent behaviour.

“At Kings College NHS doing tests and expect to start treatment soon. I fought cancer off nine years ago and I am sure I can do it again.”

Referencing a popular parody Twitter account, the minister added: “[I am] giving up Twitter until I have got this thing licked. But @GeneralBoles will keep you entertained. Wish me luck!”

A close lieutenant of Michael Gove, Mr Boles ran the former education secretary’s abortive Conservative leadership campaign.

He is also considered a “modernising” Tory an ally of David Cameron.

He apologised publicly after it emerged he had encouraged tactical voting in the Tory leadership contest because he was “seriously frightened” about candidate Andrea Leadsom making it to the final stage of voting.

Mr Boles, formerly a skills minister, quit the Government front bench when Theresa May took over as Prime Minister.