Former Labour leader and past Member of Parliament for Plymouth Devonport, Michael Foot, passed away today aged 96.
Michael Foot was a towering figure in politics. For those on the left he was a hero, the embodiment of class struggle who fought for those who had little and took the battle all the way to the top. He was a visionary and unique leader of the party who made not only an impact on the national stage but a very real impact here in Devon as the Member of Parliament for Plymouth Devonport.
He was a steadfast socialist who was unapologetic for his political views and determined in his efforts to achieve real change for those who needed it most. Those who worked closely with him will speak of his incredible genius and his first-class oratory. His speeches on the stump and in the House of Commons were legendary – it is a shame he delivered them before the Commons was televised, but his words are still haunting and relevant today.
In the post-war era, Plymouth needed a man with Michael Foot’s qualities and it is thanks to people like Michael Foot that we have the city we do today. His contribution to our city life can be seen right across the city in the housing, the memorials, the culture and the employment.
For my generation, growing up in a post-Micahel Foot era, the sight of the duffle coat and often unkempt look seems curious and strangely at odds with the polish and spin of modern politics. Many mocked him because of his outward appearance but there can be no doubting that underneath his exterior was a passionate, intelligent and true Labour fighter. I for one admire that he held true to his beliefs and his background. He was the last of the pre-spin leaders.
The last time I saw him was at the unveiling of his Parliamentary portrait by the magnificent and also sadly passed Robert Lenkiewicz in the House of Commons. It is, to my knowledge, the only portrait to hang in the Commons emblazoned with the green scarf of Plymouth Argyle. For he was not only a former Editor of London’s Evening Standard, an MP for two constituencies, a Labour leader, he was a true Plymouth Argyle supporter. Indeed many people in Plymouth will know him for his steadfast support for the Pilgrims as much for his political career.
Michael Foot was a lifelong Labour supporter and someone who many in our current crop of politicians would be wise to remember. He fought with his heart and for his principles, he spoke with passion and focus and he acted with resolve and belief.
Plymouth and Labour today lost a great leader, a real believer in our city, our football team and Labour. He supported all of them whether they were winning or not and that’s the sign of someone who really believes. He will be missed by many in Plymouth and across the nation but his passing is an opportunity for those people who never knew him or knew of his contribution to look at his life and his achievements and understand what a profound impact he had on our city and on the Labour Party. Today thousands of people will be reminded of his accomplishments and for others learning of his contribution and life for the first time. Either way, he stands out as a great leader and socialist to the end.
A hero of mine has passed but the fight for his beliefs of social justice, equality, and fairness continues. There can be no more fitting tribute than to continue fighting for the values he believed in.
Read Gordon Brown’s tribute to Michael Foot here
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