Politicians have paid tribute to Britain's oldest serving MP, Sir Gerald Kaufman, who has died at the age of 86.
The Labour veteran had been suffering from a "long-term illness" for several months, said his family, but "remained firmly committed to, and focused on, the activities and wellbeing of his beloved constituency", Manchester Gorton, which he had served since 1970.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
He said he had travelled with Kaufman to many countries, adding: "He loved life and politics. I will deeply miss him, both for his political commitment and constant friendship."
Tributes have also come from Commons Speaker John Bercow, who called Kaufman an "outstanding representative" and a "passionate campaigner for social justice, here in Britain and around the world".
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell praised Kaufman's devotion to his constituents in Manchester Gorton.
"Kaufman's constituency is seen as one of Labour's safest seats and so the by-election resulting from his death is unlikely to cause any headaches for Corbyn," says The Guardian, despite the party leader's troubles after losing Copeland to the Tories last week.
Former Labour and Respect MP George Galloway tweeted: "Very sorry to hear of the death of Sir Gerald Kaufman MP. A brave man. RIP."
Conservative grandee and former chancellor Ken Clarke is now the new "Father of the House", the title given to the MP with the longest continuous service who is not a minister. Clarke was also elected in June 1970 but Sir Gerald held the title as he was sworn in first.
-
September 28 editorial cartoonsCartoons Sunday's political cartoons include the Jim Comey indictment and Pam Bondi as a the Wicked Witch of the West
-
The Liberal Democrats: on the march?Talking Point After winning their highest number of seats in 2024, can the Lib Dems marry ‘stunts’ with a ‘more focused electoral strategy’?
-
Your Party: a Pythonesque shamblesTalking Point Comical disagreements within Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's group highlight their precarious position
-
Your Party: a Pythonesque shambles
Talking Point Comical disagreements within Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's group highlight their precarious position
-
Is Andy Burnham making a bid to replace Keir Starmer?Today's Big Question Mayor of Manchester on manoeuvres but faces a number of obstacles before he can even run
-
Angela Rayner: the rise and fall of a Labour stalwartIn the Spotlight Deputy prime minister resigned after she underpaid £40,000 in stamp duty
-
The runners and riders for the Labour deputy leadershipThe Explainer Race to replace Angela Rayner likely to come down to Starmer loyalist vs. soft-left MP supported by backbenchers and unions
-
How should Keir Starmer right the Labour ship?Today's Big Question Rightward shift on immigration and welfare not the answer to 'haemorrhaging of hope, trust and electoral support'
-
'Three Pads' Rayner: a housing hypocrite?Talking Point As real estate moguls go, the Deputy PM is 'hardly Donald Trump'
-
Who will win the battle for the soul of the Green Party?An ideological divide is taking root among the environmentalists
-
Are we facing a summer of riots?Today's Big Question Anti-immigrant unrest in Essex has sparked fears of a summer of disorder
