Meacher ‘a hard act to follow’

LABOUR leader Jeeremy Corbyn described Mr Meacher as a “decent, passionate and profound man”.

OLDHAM MP Michael Meacher will be a hard act to follow, party leader Jeremy Corbyn said in a warm Commons tribute to the late Labour veteran.

At the first Prime Minister’s Question’s since Mr Meacher’s death was announced last week, the Labour leader recounted a message from the MP’s family to the Commons.

Mr Corbyn praised a “decent, passionate and profound man”, while Prime Minister David Cameron said British politics would be poorer without him. Mr Meacher represented Oldham for 45 years.

Mr Corbyn told the house: “Those of us who knew Michael knew him as a decent, passionate and profound man. He represented his constituency with diligence and distinction for 45 years.

“He was a brilliant environment minister, he was totally committed to Parliamentary democracy and this Parliament holding government — all governments — to account.

“He was a life long campaigner against injustice and poverty. We remember Michael for all those things, we express our condolences, we express our sympathies to his family at this very difficult time. His will be a hard act to follow but we will do our best.”

Earlier, Mr Cameron said: “I know the whole House will wish to join me in paying tribute to Michael Meacher.

“Michael dedicated his life to public service, diligently representing his Oldham constituency in this place for a staggering 45 years. He was a passionate advocate of the causes he believed in, these included the environment. This House and our politics are a poorer place without him and I know colleagues from all sides of this chamber will remember him with affection and miss him greatly.”