Tributes paid to Margaret McDonagh who was 'unstoppable force' behind Labour win
Tributes have been paid to Margaret McDonagh, the “unstoppable force of nature” behind New Labour’s election victories.
The party announced this morning that Baroness McDonagh, who was Labour’s first female general secretary, had died aged 61.
Keir Starmer hailed the powerhouse organiser as the “absolutely essential” figure to the party’s wins in 1997 and 2001.
“Margaret may not have been as famous as some of the politicians she worked with but they wouldn't have got into power without her,” the Labour leader said.
Sir Tony Blair said: “Margaret was an amazing, vibrant, unstoppable force of nature. Dedicated to the country, the Labour Party and to fighting for what she believed was right.
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“As General Secretary of the Labour Party she was an incredible support to me and a vital element of New Labour.
Margaret McDonagh welcomed Nelson Mandela to Labour's annual conference in Brighton in 2000 (Press Association)“Most of all she was the most loyal friend anyone could wish for.”
The former Prime Minister offered his “deepest condolences” to her “wonderful” sister Siobhain McDonagh, who is the Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden.
Peter Mandelson, who was Labour's campaign director in the 1997 general election, said: "Margaret was a tour de force.
"She ran Millbank in 1997 with a rod of iron. Everyone was terrified including me.
"I have never met anyone so resolute, so uncompromisingly honest and so direct.
"She almost never made it to the high command in the early 1990s, but once she arrived there was no going back. She was formidable."
Margaret McDonagh was a key figure as New Labour swept to power
She was made a life peer in 2004 by Tony Blair (PA)In a statement, Mr Starmer said the death was “absolutely devastating news”.
"As general election co-ordinator, Margaret was an absolutely essential part of the 1997 Labour landslide, and as the first female general secretary led the organisation through a historic re-election campaign in 2001,” the Labour leader said.
"Both inside and outside of the Labour Party, Margaret was a tireless champion for women, mentoring a whole generation of political and business leaders.
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"To the very end Margaret was campaigning for better healthcare for those with brain tumours.
"Margaret was absolute proof that one person can make a difference in the world. The difference with Margaret is that she also built an army of change-makers along the way who will proudly carry on that fight in her name.”
He added: “I know I speak for many when I say I will miss her friendship and wise counsel in the years ahead."
Margaret McDonagh, pictured with John Prescott and Tony Blair, was Labour's first female general secretary (PA)Lord Kinnock, the former Labour leader, said: “Margaret was magnificent in every way.
"She strove in the most practical ways for true equality for women throughout her life, she was a brilliant organiser for democracy and she had mixture of steel and charm which earned her loyalty from friends and admiration from foes.
"Her courage in fighting her illness was remarkable, but typical of the valour which defined her."
As tributes flooded in, Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: "For the rest of my life I will feel blessed to have known Margaret McDonagh.
"The best of the best. Utterly integral to Labour’s 1997 victory and what it delivered."
Peter Kyle, the Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, described her as a "legend". "Her loss is heartbreaking," he added.
Margaret McDonagh, pictured right, with her Labour MP sister Siobhain McDonagh (@TraceyPaul / Twitter)"The fiercest organiser and most loving support. She inspired and drove positive change like no other."
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "Margaret was a Labour Party legend and pivotal to the last Labour government's path to power. She leaves a great legacy."
Former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith described Baroness McDonagh as “an absolute Labour warrior and inspiration, an innovator and an entrepreneur, and a lovely and loyal friend”. “Taken far too soon and we’ll miss you,” she added.
Tracey Paul, a close friend who ran Labour’s National Campaign Centre, said: “The Labour Party has lost a titan and we have lost an incredible friend.”
In 1998, Baroness McDonagh became Labour’s first female general secretary. She stepped down from the position following the 2001 general election.
She entered the House of Lords in 2004.
Siobhain McDonagh spoke movingly in the Commons in March about her sister’s battle with brain cancer as she called for progress in treatment.
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