Brian Mawhinney, the former cabinet minister and Football League chairman, has died aged 79 after a long illness, his family said.

Lord Mawhinney, who served as Tory party chairman from 1995 to 1997 under John Major’s government, died on Saturday evening.

In a statement, his family said: “His death brings an end to a life dedicated to public service and rooted in an unwavering Christian faith. He was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather and a friend to many. He will be much missed.”

Mawhinney was elected MP for Peterborough in 1979 and later represented North West Cambridgeshire, retiring in 2005. He was a member of the cabinet from 1994 until 1997. During that time he served as transport secretary and minister without portfolio. He was knighted in 1997 and created a life peer in 2005.

During that time he served as transport secretary then minister without portfolio”

Mawhinney also served as Football League chairman for seven years from 2003.

During his time at the head of the sporting body he introduced the fit and proper persons test for prospective club directors and the publication of club spending on agents’ fees.

In a statement, Rick Parry, the chairman of the Football League, said

: “Everyone associated with the EFL is saddened to hear of the loss of Lord Mawhinney, a hugely respected and influential figure in our recent past, most notably for his work as chairman of the Football League but also for the significant impact he had on the wider game.

“Lord Mawhinney was awarded life membership in 2012 for the significant contribution he made to the league during his seven years at the helm, during which he made a number of important introductions as part of a substantive programme of governance reforms.

“He was also the driving force behind the league’s first solidarity arrangement with the Premier League, the formation of the Football League Trust and a significant rebranding to support subsequent commercial development.

“Club owners, their respective teams and staff at the EFL remember Lord Mawhinney’s time at the league fondly and our collective thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad and difficult time.”