Menu
09/01/2006
Tributes paid to former MP Tony Banks
Prime Minister Tony Blair has led the tributes to former sports minister Tony Banks, who died yesterday in Florida, after suffering a massive stroke.
Mr Blair described the former Labour MP for West Ham, who became Lord Stratford last year, as "one of the most charismatic politicians in Britain, a true man of the people".
He said: "Whether he was campaigning for the regeneration of East London, fighting for animal welfare or expressing his enthusiasm for Chelsea football club, he was someone who said what they thought and was loved by people for it."
The 62-year-old, who served as sports minister between 1997 and 1999, was on holiday on the Sanibel Island, when he was taken ill on Thursday.
Former Conservative minister and fellow Chelsea fan David Mellor, also paid tribute to his friend, describing him as "immensely popular". He said: "The great thing about Tony was he was a man of passion in his politics and possessed of a sharp and witty tongue. But he exuded such joie de vivre that no one could seriously take offence to his opinions."
Chelsea football club also paid tribute to the peer. The club's chairman Bruce Buck said: "The entire Chelsea football club community is saddened by the news that Lord Stratford has passed away.
"Better known as Tony Banks, he was a man of high intellect, great humour and much compassion."
"Tony was instrumental in helping Chelsea "old boys" renew their links to the club. His support and advice to the club's current management was very welcome and appreciated."
Lord Stratford's death comes two days after the announcement of the death of Labour MP Rachel Squire. The 51-year-old MP for Dunfermline and West Fife died on Thursday night. She had undergone surgery for brain tumours twice - once in 1993 and again in 2004 - and suffered a stroke in June last year.
(KMcA)
Mr Blair described the former Labour MP for West Ham, who became Lord Stratford last year, as "one of the most charismatic politicians in Britain, a true man of the people".
He said: "Whether he was campaigning for the regeneration of East London, fighting for animal welfare or expressing his enthusiasm for Chelsea football club, he was someone who said what they thought and was loved by people for it."
The 62-year-old, who served as sports minister between 1997 and 1999, was on holiday on the Sanibel Island, when he was taken ill on Thursday.
Former Conservative minister and fellow Chelsea fan David Mellor, also paid tribute to his friend, describing him as "immensely popular". He said: "The great thing about Tony was he was a man of passion in his politics and possessed of a sharp and witty tongue. But he exuded such joie de vivre that no one could seriously take offence to his opinions."
Chelsea football club also paid tribute to the peer. The club's chairman Bruce Buck said: "The entire Chelsea football club community is saddened by the news that Lord Stratford has passed away.
"Better known as Tony Banks, he was a man of high intellect, great humour and much compassion."
"Tony was instrumental in helping Chelsea "old boys" renew their links to the club. His support and advice to the club's current management was very welcome and appreciated."
Lord Stratford's death comes two days after the announcement of the death of Labour MP Rachel Squire. The 51-year-old MP for Dunfermline and West Fife died on Thursday night. She had undergone surgery for brain tumours twice - once in 1993 and again in 2004 - and suffered a stroke in June last year.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 July 2007
Blair 'pleased' by honours inquiry ruling
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he is "very pleased" by the news that the cash-for-honours inquiry has ended with no charges being brought.
Blair 'pleased' by honours inquiry ruling
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he is "very pleased" by the news that the cash-for-honours inquiry has ended with no charges being brought.
31 August 2012
Roman Abramovich Wins Breach Of Trust And Contract Case
Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich has won a court battle brought by exiled Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky. Mr Berezovsky, 65, who claimed he had been a business partner of Mr Abramovich, 45, said he was intimidated into selling shares in Russian oil giant Sibneft for a "fraction of their true worth" and sought £3bn ($4.
Roman Abramovich Wins Breach Of Trust And Contract Case
Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich has won a court battle brought by exiled Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky. Mr Berezovsky, 65, who claimed he had been a business partner of Mr Abramovich, 45, said he was intimidated into selling shares in Russian oil giant Sibneft for a "fraction of their true worth" and sought £3bn ($4.
18 December 2003
£1.9bn funding package for public transport unveiled
Public transport, anti-congestion measures and bus services are set to benefit from a £1.9 billion funding package announced by Local Transport Minister Tony McNulty today. Of this year's allocation, up over £200 million on last year, top performing and improving councils will be awarded a total of £68 million additional reward funding.
£1.9bn funding package for public transport unveiled
Public transport, anti-congestion measures and bus services are set to benefit from a £1.9 billion funding package announced by Local Transport Minister Tony McNulty today. Of this year's allocation, up over £200 million on last year, top performing and improving councils will be awarded a total of £68 million additional reward funding.
24 May 2013
BBC To Close Its Digital Media Initiative
The BBC is to close its Digital Media Initiative (DMI). Beginning in 2008, DMI set out to move the BBC's production and archive operations to a fully integrated, digital way of working. The decision to close DMI follows an operational review of the project which was launched in October 2012.
BBC To Close Its Digital Media Initiative
The BBC is to close its Digital Media Initiative (DMI). Beginning in 2008, DMI set out to move the BBC's production and archive operations to a fully integrated, digital way of working. The decision to close DMI follows an operational review of the project which was launched in October 2012.
03 November 2003
BSkyB meet to appoint Chief Executive
BSkyB senior executives are due to vote later today on the appointment of a successor to the company's outgoing Chief Executive Tony Ball. However, there is speculation that News Corporation boss Rupert Murdoch, may be prevented from voting for his son James as the row over the appointment of a new Chief Executive BSkyB continues.
BSkyB meet to appoint Chief Executive
BSkyB senior executives are due to vote later today on the appointment of a successor to the company's outgoing Chief Executive Tony Ball. However, there is speculation that News Corporation boss Rupert Murdoch, may be prevented from voting for his son James as the row over the appointment of a new Chief Executive BSkyB continues.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
