Labour leader Ed Miliband has led messages of support for Wythenshawe and Sale East MP Paul Goggins after he suffered a stroke while jogging with his son.
The 60-year-old former Minister of State for Northern Ireland collapsed on Monday December 30 and was taken to Salford Royal Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
The opposition leader said: “Paul Goggins is one of the most decent, kind and assiduous members of Parliament.
“The news he is seriously ill is a huge shock for people across the Labour party and for his friends throughout Parliament.
“All of my good wishes and the thoughts of our whole party are with him and his family.”
Supportive messages have been left on social media for Mr Goggins, who was first voted into his post in 1997, describing him as ‘a dedicated MP’, ‘a truly lovely man’ and ‘a thoughtful, generous and honest politician’.
Kate Green, MP for Stretford and Urmston, tweeted: “Thoughts with Paul Goggins and his family. He is a very special colleague and friend.”
However, not all tweets were supportive with one user, @fascistcow, blasting politicians and asking her followers to ‘RT if you’d like all MPs to die a horrible painful death’.
Mr Goggins has previously worked as Minister for Prisons and Probation and as a minister in the Home Office twice.
Picture courtesy of Manchester Friends of the Earth via Flickr, with thanks.
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