LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88

**Lamplighter** Fri Mar 14, 2014 7:20 am

Labour stalwart Tony Benn dies at 88

Former Cabinet minister and veteran left-wing campaigner Tony Benn has died at home, his family has said.

The 88-year-old former Labour MP had been seriously ill.

Mr Benn became an MP in November 1950 and served in the Cabinet under Harold Wilson and James Callaghan.

A major figure on the left of the party, he narrowly missed out on the deputy leadership in 1981 and went on to be a popular public speaker, anti-war campaigner and political diarist.

In a statement his children Stephen, Hilary, Melissa and Joshua said Mr Benn died peacefully early this morning at his home in west London surrounded by his family.

"We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the NHS staff and carers who have looked after him with such kindness in hospital and at home.

"We will miss above all his love which has sustained us throughout our lives. But we are comforted by the memory of his long, full and inspiring life and so proud of his devotion to helping others as he sought to change the world for the better."

They said arrangements for his funeral will be announced in due course.

**Sabot** Fri Mar 14, 2014 10:14 am

I have never voted Labour, but I really liked him. An honest man.

**bb1** Fri Mar 14, 2014 11:32 am

I felt vaguely ill watching Camerons smarming about Mr Benn this morning - Cameron and co aren't fit to lick his boots.

**lily** Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:25 pm

I remember a Tony Wedgwood Benn was it? Somehow or another politics seemed more civilized way back.

**Lamplighter** Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:37 pm

lily wrote:I remember a Tony Wedgwood Benn was it? Somehow or another politics seemed more civilized way back.

That's him, gave up his title to become a 'common man'. LL

**lily** Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:47 pm

Thanks LL. I liked him.

**Sabot** Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:47 pm

His son Hilary was one of the very few MPs who hardly claimed any Expenses at. Nothing at all illegal or dodgy, and nothing like bulldog clips and any other such rubbish. Another honest man who is a credit to his father. Pity about the politics. I could so easily have voted for either of them

**Lamplighter** Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:49 pm

lily wrote:Thanks LL. I liked him.

No comment. LL

**Sabot** Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:50 pm

lily wrote:Thanks LL. I liked him.

So did most people, Lily. Except he nearly wrecked The Labour Party, according to some. I believe his wife was or is an American.

**lily** Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:51 pm

I thought he was gentlemanly LL. I like that.

**Sabot** Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:55 pm

lily wrote:I thought he was gentlemanly LL. I like that.

He had integrity, Lily. Even if one didn't subscribe to his political beliefs.

**Lamplighter** Fri Mar 14, 2014 3:58 pm

lily wrote:I thought he was gentlemanly LL. I like that.

As I said, I prefer not to comment. LL hug

Sponsored content

LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88

LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88

Re: LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88

Re: LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88

Re: LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88

Re: LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88

Re: LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88

Re: LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88

Re: LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88

Re: LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88

Re: LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88

Re: LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88

Re: LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88

Re: LABOUR PARTY VETERAN DIES AT 88