Top Labour politicians pay tribute to Glenda Jackson who has died aged 87

15 June 2023 , 12:33

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Former colleagues paid tribute to the ex-MP who has died aged 87 (Image: WireImage)

Top Labour figures today paid tribute to former MP and double Oscar-winning actress Glenda Jackson, who has died aged 87.

Ms Jackson was a Transport Minister in Tony Blair’s first Government when the party returned to power after 18 years of Conservative rule.

She was MP for Hampstead and Highgate from 1992 until 2010 when the constituency became Hampstead and Kilburn.

She held the seat for another five years until she stood down at the 2015 general election.

Tulip Siddiq, who succeeded Ms Jackson as the local Labour MP, tweeted: "Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died.

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Tulip Siddiq, the Labour MP for Ms Jackson's old seat of Hampstead and Kilburn, led tributes (PA)

"A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda."

Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell, who used to work for and alongside Ms Jackson, said: “This is very sad news. In my early twenties I worked for Glenda, a decade later our MPs offices were next door.

"She was always incredibly kind & supportive to me.

"I will also remember her cutting humour, general disdain at most things, all while smoking!"

Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell used to work for Ms Jackson (Getty Images)

Former Downing Street communications chief Alastair Campbell claimed Ms Jackson "found the transition to politics harder than she expected" but had "a great life well lived".

Mr Campbell, who worked under Labour Prime Minister Mr Blair - now Sir Tony - posted: "Sad to hear that Glenda Jackson has died.

"One of the finest actresses of our lifetime, our local MP and for a time minister in (Tony Blair) government.

"I sometimes felt she found the transition to politics harder than she expected. But a great life well lived and a major contribution on so many fronts."

Former Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott, who first elected five years before Ms Jackson, said: “Very sad to hear of the death of Glenda Jackson.

Former Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott recalled decades serving alongisde the MP (Getty Images)

"I served alongside her in Parliament for many years. She was a kind and extremely principled woman."

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Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, who was Conservative MP for the City of Chester from 1992 to 1997, said he treasured his "unlikely friendship" with the "gifted, caring and special" Ms Jackson.

"A wonderful actress, a committed politician, a remarkable human being - we became MPs on the same day in 1992 & I treasure our unlikely friendship," he tweeted.

Gyles Brandreth struck up an unlikely friendship with Ms Jackson (Getty Images)

"She was such a gifted, caring & special person who came into the world to make a difference - and did. RIP the unique Glenda Jackson."

Rishi Sunak's spokesman said the Prime Minister’s thoughts were with Ms Jackson's friends and family.

Reacting to her death, the PM’s spokesman said: "Obviously that's extremely sad news and obviously his thoughts will be with her friends and family at this time.”

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Ben Glaze