This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-mp-gerald-kaufman-dies-86-a7601056.html

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Labour MP Gerald Kaufman, oldest serving MP, dies at 86 Labour MP Gerald Kaufman, oldest serving MP, dies at 86
(35 minutes later)
Sir Gerald Kaufman, the oldest serving MP, has died at the age of 86. Sir Gerald Kaufman, the father of the House of Commons as the oldest serving MP, has died at the age of 86.
His long standing career earned him the moniker 'The Father of the House of Commons'.
Jeremy Corbyn described the Labour MP  as an "iconic and irascible" figure who "loved life and politics".Jeremy Corbyn described the Labour MP  as an "iconic and irascible" figure who "loved life and politics".
Mr Kaufman was the representative for Manchester Gorton since the constituency's inception in 1983. Mr Kaufman, who represented Manchester Gorton, served as Shadow Environment, Home and Foreign Secretaries and famously described Labour's left-wing 1983 manifesto as "the longest suicide note in history".
He also served as Environment Minister under Michael Foot and as Shadow Home and Foreign Secretaries. Sir Gerald's family announced his death "with great sadness".
Sir Gerald's 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. "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 said.
"Sir Gerald dedicated his life to serving those who he believed would benefit most from a Labour government and Labour values in action."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."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."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.
"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."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.""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.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."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."Gerald was always a prominent figure in the party and in Parliament, with his dandy clothes and wonderful demeanour in speaking.
"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."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."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.""He loved life and politics. I will deeply miss him, both for his political commitment and constant friendship."
Conservative Party grandee Ken Clarke, 76, will now become Father of the House of Commons. 
Additional reporting by Press Association Additional reporting by Press Association