A shame, a politician I had some respect for, one of a dwindling number.
Sir Gerald Kaufman, Labour MP for Manchester Gorton and Father of the House of Commons, has died aged 86.
His family made the announcement late on Sunday, calling him "a great socialist and parliamentarian".
Sir Gerald, who was the oldest serving MP, famously called his party's left-wing 1983 election manifesto "the longest suicide note in history".
Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn led tributes to him, calling him an "iconic and irascible figure".
Former leader Ed Miliband said he was "an outstanding servant of the Labour movement", adding: "His principles, values and friendship will be sorely missed."
A family spokesman confirmed he had been suffering from a long-term illness for several months.
