Tributes paid to former MP Tony Banks

Prime Minister Tony Blair has led the tributes to former sports minister Tony Banks, who died yesterday in Florida, after suffering a massive stroke.

Mr Blair described the former Labour MP for West Ham, who became Lord Stratford last year, as "one of the most charismatic politicians in Britain, a true man of the people".

He said: "Whether he was campaigning for the regeneration of East London, fighting for animal welfare or expressing his enthusiasm for Chelsea football club, he was someone who said what they thought and was loved by people for it."

The 62-year-old, who served as sports minister between 1997 and 1999, was on holiday on the Sanibel Island, when he was taken ill on Thursday.

Former Conservative minister and fellow Chelsea fan David Mellor, also paid tribute to his friend, describing him as "immensely popular". He said: "The great thing about Tony was he was a man of passion in his politics and possessed of a sharp and witty tongue. But he exuded such joie de vivre that no one could seriously take offence to his opinions."

Chelsea football club also paid tribute to the peer. The club's chairman Bruce Buck said: "The entire Chelsea football club community is saddened by the news that Lord Stratford has passed away.

"Better known as Tony Banks, he was a man of high intellect, great humour and much compassion."

"Tony was instrumental in helping Chelsea "old boys" renew their links to the club. His support and advice to the club's current management was very welcome and appreciated."

Lord Stratford's death comes two days after the announcement of the death of Labour MP Rachel Squire. The 51-year-old MP for Dunfermline and West Fife died on Thursday night. She had undergone surgery for brain tumours twice - once in 1993 and again in 2004 - and suffered a stroke in June last year.

(KMcA)