<p><br /> Political allies and opponents have sent their condolences to David Cameron after the sudden death of his father.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Prime Minister rushed to 77-year-old Ian Cameron's bedside after he suffered a stroke while on holiday in France.<br /> </p><p><br /> Only the intervention of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who arranged a helicopter to the hospital in Toulon, allowed Mr Cameron to see his father before he passed away.<br /> </p><p><br /> Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who stood in to field questions in the Commons, expressed his sympathy.<br /> </p><p><br /> "Despite the sadness of today, I am very glad that David's father lived to see him become Prime Minister and that David was able to be at his father's side at the end," he said.<br /> </p><p><br /> Mr Cameron's mother Mary telephoned to alert him to the situation, which arose as the couple were halfway through a two-week holiday.<br /> </p><p><br /> After speaking to local doctors about his father's condition, the premier took a commercial flight from London's City Airport at 9.30am accompanied by brother Alex and sister Clare.<br /> </p><p><br /> Mr Cameron was said to be "relieved" to have been at the bedside, and "pleased" that his father died peacefully during a "happy family holiday".<br /> </p><p><br /> Friends said Ian Cameron was "proud" to see his son become Prime Minister and had visited both 10 Downing Street and Chequers.<br /> </p><p><br /> However, the family's various holiday plans meant he had not met his latest granddaughter Florence, who was delivered by the PM's wife Samantha last month.<br /> </p><p><br /> Mr Cameron previously described his father as a "huge hero figure" and praised his optimism.<br /> </p><p><br /> A Labour Party spokeswoman said acting leader Harriet Harman had sent her condolences to Mr Cameron and his family. A spokesman for Gordon Brown said the former prime minister had also written to express his condolences.<br /> </p>
