THE LABOUR MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, Paul Goggins, 60, died in hospital on the night of Tuesday 7 January following a suspected brain haemorrhage.
"The disadvantaged and dispossessed have lost a true champion in Paul Goggins and Parliament is the poorer for his passing.”
Goggins was taken seriously ill at Salford Royal Hospital after collapsing while out jogging with his son on 30 December.
He leaves behind his wife, Wyn, and three grown-up children.
Goggins served as a Home Office minister and within the Northern Ireland Office under Tony Blair and had represented the borough of Wythenshawe and Sale East since 1997.
Following the news, Labour leader Ed Miliband released this statement: “Paul’s family is devastated and heartbroken by his death. They are not alone. The Labour Party has lost one of its most dignified, humane, wise and loyal MPs.
“People from all sides of the House of Commons had the greatest affection, admiration, and genuine respect for Paul. We are deeply saddened by his passing.
Paul Goggins MP
Manchester Council leader, Sir Richard Leese said: "Paul was an exceptional MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East. He was always available and campaigned devotedly for Wythenshawe.
“Anyone who knew him would tell you that he was a genuinely nice man, which is not something you would always hear about a national politician."
The family of Paul Goggins released this statement:
“Last night Paul Goggins, our dear dad and husband, died in hospital in Salford with us by his side. We are completely heartbroken.
“He had been very ill since collapsing last week. The way in which he has been cared for at Salford Royal has been such a comfort to us and we can’t thank the staff enough for this.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support and good wishes we have received from so many people – a real sign of love and a reflection of the sort of person Paul/Dad was.
Leigh MP and close friend of Goggins, Andy Burnham said: "The disadvantaged and dispossessed have lost a true champion in Paul Goggins and Parliament is the poorer for his passing.”
