Ton Benn (1925-2014)

Shed a tear tonight when I heard about the death of Tony Benn.

He had a profound impact on my thinking as a young man and was a person for whom I had the utmost respect.

I had the pleasure of meeting him at an event in Sheffield in the mid-1980s and was immediately struck by the great humility of the man. A great listener as well as a great speaker. Probably the last of the real and principled politicians. A man of conviction, and not prone to spin like the rabble we have these days.

I am very sad tonight.