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stella41b -> RIP Michael Foot, former Labour leader (3/3/2010 10:30:05 AM)
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quote:
Former Labour leader Michael Foot has died
Former Labour Party leader Michael Foot has died, aged 96.
Mr Foot was elected Labour leader in 1980, succeeding Jim Callaghan, but stood down after a heavy defeat in the 1983 election to Margaret Thatcher.
Mr Foot, who was also a prolific writer, was first elected to Parliament in 1945 and was an MP for 42 years.
Prime Minister and Labour leader Gordon Brown led the tributes, describing Mr Foot as a "man of deep principle and passionate idealism".
And Lady Thatcher said he was "a great parliamentarian and a man of high principles".
Mr Foot died shortly before 0700 GMT at his home in Hampstead, north London. He had been ill for some time with fading health and had been receiving 24-hour care.
A lifelong peace campaigner and left wing rebel, Mr Foot led the Labour Party during one of the most turbulent periods in its history - with senior figures on the right breaking away to form their own party, the SDP.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8547228.stm
Britain has lost a great socialist and orator.
I remember him from the CND marches back in the early 1980's at places such as Aldermarston and felt that he should have been made the leader of the Labour party a lot sooner than he was. I regret not being around when he was at his best in the 1940's and 1950's. He was a charismatic man, his speeches were captivating, he was a great humanitarian and a real champion of human rights and social justice.
There were very few politicians of his calibre in the world, let alone in Britain.
Rest in peace Michael, you served us well.
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