Meacher had ‘star quality’

HEARTFELT tributes: Michael Meacher MP

Oldham Council reports by IRAM RAMZAN and LUCY KENDERDINE

MP Michael Meacher was fighting to prevent tax credit cuts even as he lay ill in hospital.

Councillor Peter Dean made the revelation at last night’s full council meeting, as colleagues added their own heartfelt tributes to the late Oldham West and Royton MP.

Councillors shared emotional and amusing stories of their time with the 75 year old MP, who died after a short illness on October 21 after serving Oldham for 45 years.

Many references were made of his vital role in encouraging environmental conservation.

“He was a true gentleman,” said Councollor Dean. “He was kind and considerate. Thousands of people have expressed their sorrow. His widow Luciana is thankful for the sympathy she received.

“I spoke to him two days before he died, when he was in hospital. Michael’s comment was ‘I’m all right, I will get better, I have to get better, I have to fight the tax credit changes — people are going to really suffer.’ That was his concern. He wanted to get the best for people.”

Council leader Jim McMahon said it was as though he had been hit by the train he was on when he received the devastating phone call of the news.

He told the chamber: “He was a captivating, fascinating person to be around. Most of our politics were not aligned but we both wanted the town to do well.

“He was like a celebrity. People on the doorstep were excited because Michael was at the door, even if they were not of the same political persuasion. He definitely had star quality.

“On behalf of the council and the Labour group, we say more than thank you to Michael: for being a decent person, for standing up for our town and fighting for working people.”

Leader of the Lib-Dem opposition, Councillor Howard Sykes, described Mr Meacher as a man of “great principle”.

“I always found Michael approachable and willing to work across party boundaries on issues of importance that affected Oldham and its people. With Michael’s passing, I regret to say Oldham has lost a great friend and a great advocate. For whoever is about to follow him into Westminster, Michael’s will be very big shoes to fill.”

Mr Meacher’s funeral will take place on Friday, November 13 in London. Books of condolence are available at Oldham Civic Centre, Royton Town Hall and Chadderton Wellbeing Centre.