Midlands MPs pay tribute to 'wonderful' Dame Tessa Jowell
MPs from across the Black Country have paid tribute to Dame Tessa Jowell, who has died aged 70, praising her for her passion, her fight for others and her contribution to the Labour Party.
The former Labour cabinet minister was diagnosed with a gliobastoma multiforme brain tumour in May last year.
She suffered a haemorrhage on Friday, and had been in a coma until her death on Saturday, a spokesman for the family said.
A popular figure in Parliament, Dame Tessa played a major role in securing the 2012 Olympics for London when she served as culture secretary.
West Bromwich East MP and deputy Labour leader, Tom Watson, said: "She was passionate for a fairer, more equal society as well as a fine Culture Secretary. We will all miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with Tessa’s loved ones."
Pat McFadden, Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East, said: "The death of Tessa Jowell is desperately sad news. A wonderful warm beautiful person. A great friend full of love.
"She was so proud of what Labour did and was a huge part of our story. I will forever remember our lovely car shares home after Commons votes. RIP."
Dudley North Labour MP, Ian Austin, said: "The amazing thing about Tessa Jowell was that literally no one had a bad word to say about her. Rare in any walk of life, unique in politics.
"Tessa was principled, passionate & spent whole life fighting for others. She made a huge contribution to Labour Governments and always so nice to me."
Dignity
Wolverhampton South West Labour MP, Eleanor Smith, said: "So sorry to hear the news that former Labour cabinet minister Dame Tessa Jowell has died. Sure Start was a very special achievement.
"The dignity with which she handled her cancer diagnosis was so powerful. My deepest condolences to her family and friends at this sad time."
Conservative Walsall North MP, Eddie Hughes, said: "Sad news that Dame Tessa Jowell has died having been diagnosed with brain cancer in May last year. The woman who brought the Olympics to London for all of us."
Margot James, Conservative MP for Stourbridge, said: "Deeply saddened by the death of Dame Tessa Jowell who I was privileged to get to know by chance eight years ago, an incredible woman, my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. A great loss RIP."
Former prime minister Tony Blair said there was "no-one like Tessa and no-one better".
He added: "What she achieved was remarkable. She was the first senior politician fully to understand the importance of public health and to shift health policy towards prevention of illness and not only cure.
"She was the instigator of Sure Start and in the process gave hope and opportunity to hundreds of thousands of children. She brought the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics to London, and ensured their success.
"Whatever task she was set she gave her all, touching hearts and minds with her gentle compassion and sympathy."
