Tony Benn has died, aged 88

Tony Benn – one of the biggest figures in 20th Century Labour Party politics – has died, aged 88. A statement from his children released this morning said:

“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the NHS staff and carers who have looked after him with such kindness in hospital and at home.

“We will miss above all his love which has sustained us throughout our lives. But we are comforted by the memory of his long, full and inspiring life and so proud of his devotion to helping others as he sought to change the world for the better.”

The thoughts of everyone at LabourList are with the Benn family and his friends at this sad time. We’ll be carrying tributes to him throughout the day.