Wythenshawe and Sale East MP Paul Goggins died last night after collapsing while out jogging with his son just over a week ago.
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 for a suspected brain haemorrhage.
The Labour MP’s family said they were ‘completely heartbroken’ and been ‘overwhelmed’ by the public response.
In a statment his family 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.
“We would also like to thank the media for continuing to respect our privacy at such a difficult time.”
Labour leader Ed Miliband led the tributes to Paul Goggins following the news of his death.
He said:“Paul’s family is devastated and heartbroken by his death. They are not alone. 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.
“The Labour Party has lost one of its very best and one of its own. We mourn him deeply.”
Prime Minister David Cameron also added his voice to the tributes adding: “My thoughts are with the family of Paul Goggins – who have been left heartbroken by his death. He was liked and respected by MPs on all sides.”
Reacting to the death of Mr Goggins, Manchester Withington MP John Leech said: “This is terribly sad news.
“Paul was one of the good guys. My condolences go out to all his many family and friends in Manchester, the Labour Party and Parliament.”
Tributes have also poured in across social media sites from across the political spectrum.
Kate Green, Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston tweeted: “Terribly sad to hear of the death Paul Goggins last night.
“A dear friend & neighbour, & principled and dedicated MP. Thoughts w/ [sic] his family.”
Labour Councillor Nigel Murphy, Hulme Ward, tweeted: “Tragic news about Paul Goggins, a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends. RIP Paul.”
Jason McCartney, Conservative MP for Colne Valley in Huddersfield tweeted: “Awfully sad news that Paul Goggins has passed away.
“Worked together on the Contaminated Blood campaign. My thoughts are with his family.”
Image courtesy of Manchester Firends of the Earth, with thanks
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
