THE First Minster and Welsh Labour leader has led the tributes to Paul Flynn MP, who died yesterday, Sunday (Feb 17) at the age of 84.
Following the sad passing, First Minister Mark Drakeford AM said:
“Paul Flynn was a giant of the Welsh Labour movement and today’s news will be a source of great sadness to all those who knew him.
“He was one of the most effective communicators of his generation -inside the House of Commons and outside.
“But it was Paul’s willingness to speak up for causes beyond the political mainstream, which marked him out as a politician of real courage and integrity.
“I first met him more than 35 years ago, and it has been a privilege to have worked with him, in the run-up to the devolution era and beyond.
“Our thoughts are with his family today and all those who knew him.”
Nia Griffith MP said: “I am sorry to hear that Paul Flynn has passed away. He was a great Labour comrade and radical thinker, who was much loved across the House of Commons for his tenacity, originality and wit. This is a great loss to Newport, Wales and the Labour movement.”
Ruth Jones, Welsh Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Newport West said:
“I would like to add my own personal, deepest condolences to Paul’s family. I know that they will find comfort in the outpouring of love and support for someone who served his community with endless passion and distinction. He was a kind man and wise counsel.
“Paul – literally and figuratively – wrote the book on how to be a good Member of Parliament. His campaigning zeal was matched only by his fearless nature in speaking out for his constituents and in fighting for the causes he believed in.
“He ably served the people of Newport West for nearly 32 years and while many things have changed in that time, Paul’s unflinching desire for a more decent, caring society stood firm. His legacy will continue to inspire our fight for fairness. We all have big boots to fill and we will miss him very much.”
