Oldham has lost a political giant

Michael Meacher, pictured last year by Darren Robinson

OLDHAM is in mourning following the death of the town’s longest-serving MP Michael Meacher.

The 75-year-old Labour veteran, an Oldham MP since 1970, died yesterday after a short illness. Details are yet to be confirmed, but he is believed to have died in hospital.

Mr Meacher retained his Oldham West and Royton seat with a huge 14,738 majority in May.

He was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough in 2013 in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to the town.

Mr Meacher was one of the longest-serving MPs, alongside Sir Gerald Kaufman, Kenneth Clarke and Dennis Skinner.

Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon said: “Like many in Oldham I am grieving the loss of a friend. Michael was someone I confided in, trusted and held in great affection. I’ll miss him. Oldham has lost a political giant; an extremely popular man who helped countless people and always got a fantastic reaction on the doorstep over the 45 years he served his constituents.

“On behalf of everyone in the borough I offer our sincerest condolences to his wife Lucianne, and all his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

A book of condolence was placed at the civic entrance at Oldham Council and at Royton Town Hall today.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn led the tributes.

He said: “I was very sad and very shocked at hearing of his death earlier today and my sympathies and condolences go to his family, his many friends and admirers, who all realise that in Michael we have lost a good man of fundamental decency who exemplified the very best socialist and labour traditions of this country.”

Mt Corbyn went on: “I first met Michael in the early 1970s when he was a newly-elected MP. From the first day I was impressed by his commitment to social justice, his knowledge of inequality and his practical approach to social security law.

“His insight into economic issues was later demonstrated in his superb analysis of the nascent banking crisis that struck in 2007-08 and the attempt to introduce an austerity-led solution in Britain. Had Michael’s calls for banking regulation been properly heeded we might have been in a very different place.

“From 1997 Michael was environment minister in the Labour government and was well ahead of his time in his thinking, both to issues of climate change and to agricultural systems and the sustainability of the natural environment. He cut a big figure and was loved by the environmental movement in Britain and around the world.

“Early this year, after the general election Michael was one of those who urged me to stand in the leadership election and gave huge support. He was a valued friend and commentator, utterly committed to democracy in our party and movement, as well as the wider community. His contributions on social justice, equality, environment and economic policy showed a man of enormous breath and intellectual vision.”

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock said: “Michael was a dedicated democratic socialist who used his great intelligence and huge capacity for hard work to produce thorough analysis and radical answers to social and economic policy challenges, always with the purpose of exposing wrongs and advancing justice.

“He was also a very honest and courteous man with a lucid and diligent manner that disarmed critics and earned admiration and trust.

“Michael’s vigour and youthful appearance gave the impression that he had many productive years before him. I am shocked as well as deeply saddened that he has gone, and I offer my sincere sympathy to his loved ones.”

Peter Dean, Mr Meacher’s long-serving PA and office manager, said: “We are extremely sad. It has been quite a short illness he has had and we just don’t know the details at present. We are extremely sad for his family but all the staff here at his office have worked with him for 20 years, so it is almost like a family bereavement for us.

“His importance is extremely great politically. He has had a very strong affection for Oldham’s people and a strong desire to improve the quality of their lives. He has made a huge difference in many ways. It’s difficult to outline what he’s done because he’s done so much.”

Mr Meacher’s fellow Oldham MP, Debbie Abrahams paid tribute to her friend. The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP said: “I’m devastated — Michael was such a kind man and so encouraging and supportive of me both before and after I was elected as an MP. I’m proud to say he was my friend as well as a distinguished Labour party colleague. He was the quintessential gentleman.

“His parliamentary career was exceptional, encompassing many varied roles. But he never wavered in his determination to represent Oldham West, initially from 1970, then Oldham West and Royton from 1997, at every opportunity. My thoughts are with his family, friends and his team at this difficult time. I will miss Michael very much.”

Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton (which includes Failsworth), said: “Michael spent his life devoted to the Labour movement and our socialist values. His constituency was always closest to his heart. He was an indefatigable champion for social justice, decency and fairness. It is such a tragedy for Labour that he cannot now make what would have been an extremely valuable contribution to the development of Labour in the run-up to the next General Election. My heart goes out to all his family, friends and loved ones. The Labour movement will miss him enormously.”

Oldham Councillor Riaz Ahmad said he became friends with Mr Meacher after the MP helped his immigration from Pakistan in 1974. The two men were close friends.

“I have known him throughout my political life. He had extreme dedication and will be sadly missed by the people of Oldham. He was an extraordinary human being. He will be sorely missed by Oldham, his family, my family and the whole of politics.”

Councillor Zahid Chauhan, Chair of Oldham West and Royton Constituency Labour Party, said: “Michael meant so much to the people of Oldham, who recognised all that he did to improve the lives of people within our borough. His compassion, warmth, sense of fairness and indeed humour will be missed by us all. Though he rose to national prominence, Michael’s door was always open.

“On a personal level Michael was a friend, confidant and inspiration for over 10 years and along with everybody within the Labour movement, I shall miss his encouragement and contribution.”

Their sentiments were echoed by a large number of trade union officials, councillors and community groups