Labour legends honour Margaret McDonagh who was essential force behind 1997 win
Keir Starmer has hailed Margaret McDonagh as the “essential” force behind New Labour’s election victories.
The leader joined mourners at the funeral of the party’s first female general secretary. Baroness McDonagh, who died last month aged 61, played a pivotal role in Labour’s wins in 1997 and 2001.
Labour big beasts gathered for the service, including former prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Key faces from the New Labour era, including Lord Mandelson, attended the Mass at St Boniface RC Church in Mitcham.
They joined current shadow cabinet members including Wes Streeting, Peter Kyle, Nick Thomas-Symonds, Emily Thornberry, Yvette Cooper, Ed Miliband and David Lammy. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was also in attendance.
Gordon Brown attended the funeral service (PA)
Labour leader Keir Starmer paid tribute to Margaret McDonagh (PA)In a tribute posted on Twitter, Mr Starmer wrote: “Margaret McDonagh changed the lives of so many. As Labour’s first female General Secretary, Margaret played an essential part in the 1997 Labour landslide and was a tireless champion for women.
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“Today I’m sending love to Siobhan and Margaret’s family. She will be deeply missed.”
Baroness McDonagh’s sister Siobhain McDonagh is the current Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden in south London. In an article earlier this month, Ms McDonagh paid tribute to her sister writing: “She could be tough and demanding but most who came into contact with her appreciated her strong organisational skills and did what she required.”
Baroness McDonagh, who died last month aged 61, was a powerhouse organiser (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)She added: “Her dedication to advance women in public life was unswerving.”
Following the announcement of her death last month, Sir Tony lauded her as “an amazing, vibrant, unstoppable force of nature”. The former PM added: “Dedicated to the country, the Labour Party and to fighting for what she believed was right.
"As General Secretary of the Labour Party she was an incredible support to me and a vital element of New Labour. Most of all she was the most loyal friend anyone could wish for.”
Lord Mandelson arriving at the funeral in Mitcham (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
Shadow Cabinet ministers including Wes Streeting attended (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)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.
Ms 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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