Tony Benn Tributes Pour in as Veteran Left-Wing Campaigner Dies Aged 88

1984 miners' strike — 27 June 1984: Mick McGahey and Arthur Scargill of the National Union of Mineworkers march in London with Labour politician Tony Benn during the miners' strike AP

The family of Tony Benn, born Anthony Wedgwood Benn, has confirmed the veteran politician died at his home on Friday morning.

Since then, tributes over social have flooded in for left-wing campaigner, who had five decades as a former Labour MP.

He also served as a cabinet minister under Harold Wilson and James Callaghan, had been hospitalised last month having reported feeling unwell.

Tony Benn was a magnificent writer, speaker and campaigner. There was never a dull moment listening to him, even if you disagreed with him.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 14, 2014

Tony Benn was a champion of the powerless, a great Parliamentarian and a conviction politician. My deep condolences go to his family.
— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) March 14, 2014

Sad to hear that my predecessor in Chesterfield Tony Benn has died. He was a kind man,a political giant& one of the great orators of any era
— Toby Perkins MP (@tobyperkinsmp) March 14, 2014

Admired so many things about Benn: unwavering principles; always open to new ideas; stellar political speaker but unfailingly courteous.
— Diane Abbott MP (@HackneyAbbott) March 14, 2014

Terribly sorry to hear about Tony Benn. Thoughts are with all his family and many friends…
— Liz Kendall MP (@leicesterliz) March 14, 2014

"People who heard Tony Benn speak will probably never forget it, he was an absolutely brilliant speaker," says Margaret Beckett #r4today
— BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) March 14, 2014

Tony Benn spoke to our children, he transcended politics with his humour, spirit and intellect but more importantly he really listened.
— Colin Salmon (@colinsalmon24) March 14, 2014

For once, the word "inspiration" applies literally. Tony Benn's words lifted the aspirations of many people from outside the Left.
— Daniel Hannan (@DanHannanMEP) March 14, 2014