18/04/2008

Labour MP Gwyneth Dunwoody Dies

An iconic Labour MP Gwyneth Dunwoody has died peacefully, at the age of 77.

Ms Dunwoody, the MP for Crewe and Nantwich, was the longest-serving female Member of Parliament.

She was first elected to Parliament in 1966, when she become MP for Exeter, but became MP for Crewe and Nantwich in 1974.

Ms Dunwoody also served as an MEP for five years until 1979. She had also served as the Chair of the Transport Select Committee since 1997.

Ms Dunwoody leaves a daughter, two sons and 10 grandchildren.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute to her: "So many people will be so sad to hear of the death of Gwyneth Dunwoody. She was always her own person. She was fiercely independent. She was politics at its best - a great parliamentarian.

"She will be sadly missed in all parts of the House of Parliament."

Harriet Harman, Labour's Deputy Leader and Party Chair, called Ms Dunwoody "an outstanding politician and a champion in the fight for social justice".

She said: "She was a strong parliamentarian and a committed campaigner who was admired and feared in equal measure. I will sorely miss her. We shall not see her like again."

Conservative leader David Cameron, said: "I was saddened to hear about the death of Gwyneth Dunwoody. She was courageous in her political beliefs and an inspiration to many.

"Her defence and willingness to stand up to the establishment was truly admirable. She will be a sad loss to the House of Commons."

(KMcA)


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