Miliband mourns ‘humane, wise and loyal’ Catholic MP Paul Goggins

Catholic Labour MP Paul Goggins has died in hospital aged 60, just over a week after he collapsed while going for a run. Labour leader, Ed Miliband said the party had lost “one of its most dignified, humane, wise and loyal MPs”.

Mr Goggins, MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, Greater Manchester, was a former Northern Ireland and Home Office minister and had been a Member of Parliament since 1997.

He was educated at St Bede’s College and Ushaw College and before entering parliament was director of the Church Action on Poverty campaign.

Mr Goggins had been out jogging with his son when he collapsed on on December 30. He was admitted to Salford Royal Hospital with a suspected brain haemorrhage.

In a statement released this morning, his wife, Wynn, and three grown-up children, Matthew, Theresa and Dominic, said: “Last night Paul Goggins, our dear dad and husband, died in hospital in Salford with us by his side. We are completely heartbroken. He had been very ill since collapsing last week. The way in which he has been cared for at Salford Royal has been such a comfort to us and we can’t thank the staff enough for this.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support and good wishes we have received from so many people – a real sign of love and a reflection of the sort of person Paul/Dad was.”

In a statement, Ed Miliband said: “The Labour Party has lost one of its most dignified, humane, wise and loyal MPs. People from all sides of the House of Commons had the greatest affection, admiration, and genuine respect for Paul. We are deeply saddened by his passing.

“Paul was a man of deep faith whose commitment and strong values shone through everything he did. As a social worker, councillor, MP and Minister, attending to the needs of the most disadvantaged was always at the core of his particularly thoughtful and dedicated service. He was held in great affection by the people of Northern Ireland for his real understanding of the challenges they faced in the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement.

“I know Paul’s family have been profoundly moved by the outpouring of support, love and affection they have received since Paul fell ill last week. The Labour Party has lost one of its very best and one of its own. We mourn him deeply.”

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