Tony Benn seriously ill in hospital

Former long-serving MP, cabinet minister, author, leadership and deputy Labour candidate Tony Benn is thought to be seriously ill in hospital, where he has been since Saturday evening. The 88 year old former Viscount Stansgate also spent time in hospital last September.

Last night a family spokesperson said:

“Tony Benn was taken to hospital on Saturday evening after feeling unwell. He is currently receiving treatment.”

With the exception of two short periods, Benn was an MP from 1950 to 2001, when he famously left Parliament to “spend more time on politics”. Everyone at LabourList wishes Benn a swift recovery.