Former Labour Leader Foot Dies

Tributes have been paid to Labour stalwart Michael Foot, who died today.

Mr Foot was 96 and led the Labour Party between 1980 and 1983.

He stood down from the helm of the party following a disastrous defeat to Margaret Thatcher's Tories.

His left-wing 1983 election manifesto was branded by some "the longest suicide note in history".

Prime Minister and Labour leader Gordon Brown today described Mr Foot as a "man of deep principle and passionate idealism".

He passed away at his Hampstead home, in north London shortly before 7am this morning.

Despite his sometimes unkempt appearance, Mr Foot was regarded by many as one of the Commons' finest orators, backed up by great intelligence.

"He was the best Parliamentary debater of his generation and one of the most eloquent, and indeed one of the most humorous, speakers I think the country has ever had," said Mr Brown

Former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott said in a message via Twitter: "So sad to hear about Michael Foot. A great man has died. He was the heart of our movement."

One-time Chancellor and deputy party leader, Denis Healy said despite his political differences with Mr Foot, it had been an honour to serve under him.

Conservative leader David Cameron said Mr Foot was a "remarkable man"

"I'm obviously not old enough to have been in the House of Commons at the same time, but reading some of his speeches (they) were incredibly powerful," he said.

"He was a very intelligent, witty, amusing and thoughtful man."

Mr Foot was first elected to Parliament in 1935, having previously worked as a journalist in London.

Mr Foot began his Wesminster career as MP for Plymouth Devonport, before going on to represent for Ebbw Vale and Blaenau Gwent.

He also served in the UK Cabinet as Employment Secretary before his leadership bid.

(PR/BMcC)