Labour MP Paul Goggins dies, aged 60

Labour MP Paul Goggins has died aged 60, just over a week after he collapsed while out running.

The former Northern Ireland and Home Office minister had been in Parliament since 1997.

Mr Goggins, MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, Greater Manchester, was out with his son when he fell ill.

Labour leader Ed Miliband said he was saddened that the party had lost one of its most "dignified, humane, wise and loyal" parliamentarians.

Among many politicians paying tribute, former Prime Minister Tony Blair called Mr Goggins a "lovely man" and an "outstanding public servant".

Mr Goggins, a father of three, was director of the Church Action on Poverty campaign group before becoming an MP, also serving as a councillor in Salford.

Born in Manchester, he trained as a social worker before running a children's home.

'Deep faith'

In a statement his family said: "Last night Paul Goggins, our dear dad and husband, died in hospital in Salford with us by his side. We are completely heartbroken.

"He had been very ill since collapsing last week. The way in which he has been cared for at Salford Royal has been such a comfort to us and we can't thank the staff enough for this.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support and good wishes we have received from so many people - a real sign of love and a reflection of the sort of person Paul/Dad was.

"We would also like to thank the media for continuing to respect our privacy at such a difficult time."

Mr Miliband said: "The Labour Party has lost one of its most dignified, humane, wise and loyal MPs.

"People from all sides of the House of Commons had the greatest affection, admiration, and genuine respect for Paul. We are deeply saddened by his passing."

He added: "Paul was a man of deep faith whose commitment and strong values shone through everything he did."

Mr Blair said: "Paul was an outstanding public servant, a lovely man and a good friend. He was generous, decent and compassionate."

After entering Parliament Mr Goggins worked as parliamentary private secretary to then Education Secretary David Blunkett, moving with Mr Blunkett when he was promoted to home secretary.

In 2003 he became a Home Office minister, going in 2006 to the Northern Ireland Office.

John Leech, the Liberal Democrat MP for Manchester Withington, said: "This is terribly sad news. Paul was one of the good guys.

"My condolences go out to all his many family and friends in Manchester, the Labour Party and Parliament."

Mr Goggins had been a member of the Intelligence and Security Committee since 2010.

Former Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell said: "Paul Goggins embodied all the best qualities of an outstanding MP. Both as a minister and as a constituency MP he was thorough, committed and professional.

"As a fellow member of the Intelligence and Security Committee I have very good cause to remember his incisive contributions to its work. Parliament and the nation have lost an outstanding talent."