MPs pay tributes to Sir Gerald Kaufman after Britain’s oldest-serving MP dies at 86 after suffering from long-term illness

MPS have paid tributes to the oldest serving MP Sir Gerald Kaufman, who has died aged 86.

The Father of the House of Commons died on Sunday evening having suffered from a long-term illness for several months, his family said.

Jeremy Corbyn has led tributes to the Father of the House of Commons, describing him as an "iconic and irascible" figure with "dandy clothes" who "loved life and politics".

Sir Gerald was first elected as Manchester Ardwick MP in 1970 before becoming Manchester Gorton MP after constituency boundary changes in 1983 until his death.

Mr Bercow gave a lengthy tribute to Sir Gerald at the start of business in the House of Commons this afternoon, telling MPs: "I will not pretend he was always the easiest of colleagues.

"If you were lauded or praised by Gerald, you doubtless took delight in the experience.

"If you were attacked or denounced by Gerald, you could be in no doubt on the matter.

"But there was that fidelity to principle, that commitment to causes, that insistence on doing his duty by his constituents, by his party and by his country."

He added Sir Gerald will be "mourned very widely".

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid added: "I was always grateful to (Sir Gerald) for showing us that it's possible for the children of immigrants to treasure their roots while still embracing their Britishness and the active role they can play in public life."

His family announced his death "with great sadness", saying: "Sir Gerald had been suffering from a long-term illness for several months, but, in that time, remained firmly committed to, and focused on, the activities and wellbeing of his beloved constituency, which he had served since first elected in 1970."

They continued: "Sir Gerald dedicated his life to serving those who he believed would benefit most from a Labour government and Labour values in action.

"He believed that policy and principle without power were simply not enough to deliver the better life that he fought for on behalf of his constituents for almost 50 years.

"Though Sir Gerald had many friends and supporters in Manchester and across the world from his work on many campaigns and causes, he was in essence a private man."

They added: "There will be a further opportunity for those who wish to pay tribute to the contribution of this great socialist and parliamentarian in due course.

"For now, his family request that his dignity and integrity be honoured through respectful reflection."

Mr Corbyn paid tribute to his "constant" friend, saying: "I'm very sad at the passing of Sir Gerald Kaufman MP.

"An iconic and irascible figure in the Labour Party, Gerald worked with Harold Wilson when he was Prime Minister in the 1960s and became a Labour MP in 1970.

"Gerald was always a prominent figure in the party and in Parliament, with his dandy clothes and wonderful demeanour in speaking."

Mr Corbyn added: "Gerald came from a proud Jewish background. He always wanted to bring peace to the Middle East and it was my pleasure to travel with him to many countries.

"I last saw him in his lovely flat in St John's Wood in London, surrounded by film posters and a library of the film world.

"He loved life and politics. I will deeply miss him, both for his political commitment and constant friendship."

Commons Speaker John Bercow said: "I was very saddened to learn of the death of Sir Gerald Kaufman, the Father of the House and Manchester Gorton's outstanding representative.

"Gerald was a passionate campaigner for social justice, here in Britain and around the world.

"His passing will be mourned by his relatives, friends, constituents and colleagues."

Theresa May paid tribute to the MP today.

In a statement she said: "I was very sad to hear of the death of Sir Gerald Kaufman. His was a life of remarkable commitment to his constituents in Manchester and to the political life of the nation.

"He spent more than half his life as a parliamentarian, having been first elected in 1970.

As Father of the House his wisdom and experience will be very much missed by MPs on all sides of the House."

Labour will face another by-election to replace the late Labour MP in the coming months, just days after the party held Stoke Central but lost the Copeland seat to the Tories.