'Dedicated' former MP dies aged 92

Tributes have been paid to a former West Midlands MP who has died at the age of 92.

David Winnick, who represented Walsall North for 38 years, was described as a "dedicated" Parliamentarian by Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Thursday.

Winnick, who died on Wednesday, held the seat for Labour from 1979 until 2017, following a stint as Croydon South MP between 1966 and 1970.

Sir Lindsay said: "He was a dedicated member of the British-Irish Assembly, including its co-chair.

"Dave was also a long-standing member of the Home Affairs Select Committee.

"I'm sure members across the house will want to join me in sending our condolences to David's family and friends who are very much in our thoughts today."

Councillor Matt Ward, leader of the Labour group on Walsall Council, said he was sad to hear of Winnick's death.

"David was a dedicated MP who always did his utmost to help people and was respected by so many constituents for the work he did," he wrote on Facebook.

"My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time."

Councillor Simran Cheema, Labour representative for Willenhall South, said Winnick was a "true legend" and one of the figures who guided her towards public service.

"He was an incredible MP for Willenhall and Bloxwich, truly standing up for the area and its residents," she said.

"My fondest memories are of him travelling on the buses wherever he went."

Winnick was 83 years old and the West Midlands' longest serving MP when he lost his seat to Conservative Eddie Hughes during the 2017 general election.

Following his loss, he said it had been an "honour and privilege" to have served his constituents.

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