Labour MP Gerald Kaufman, the longest-serving backbench MP, dies at 86

Jeremy Corbyn leads tributes to the Father of the House of Commons

Gerald Kaufman, Labour MP for Manchester Gorton and Father of The House of Commons, died aged 86 (John Stillwell/PA)

Sir Gerald Kaufman, the father of the House of Commons as the longest-serving backbench MP, has died at the age of 86.

Jeremy Corbyn described the veteran Labour politician as an "iconic and irascible" figure who "loved life and politics".

Mr Kaufman, who represented Manchester Gorton, served as Shadow Environment, Home and Foreign Secretaries and famously described Labour's left-wing 1983 manifesto as "the longest suicide note in history".

Sir Gerald's family announced his death "with great sadness".

"Sir Gerald had been suffering from a long-term illness for several months, but, in that time, remained firmly committed to, and focused on, the activities and wellbeing of his beloved constituency, which he had served since first elected in 1970," they said.

"Sir Gerald dedicated his life to serving those who he believed would benefit most from a Labour government and Labour values in action.

"He believed that policy and principle without power were simply not enough to deliver the better life that he fought for on behalf of his constituents for almost 50 years.

"Though Sir Gerald had many friends and supporters in Manchester and across the world from his work on many campaigns and causes, he was in essence a private man.

"There will be a further opportunity for those who wish to pay tribute to the contribution of this great socialist and parliamentarian in due course.

"For now, his family request that his dignity and integrity be honoured through respectful reflection."

Mr Corbyn paid tribute to his "constant" friend, saying: "I'm very sad at the passing of Sir Gerald Kaufman MP.

"An iconic and irascible figure in the Labour Party, Gerald worked with Harold Wilson when he was Prime Minister in the 1960s and became a Labour MP in 1970.

"Gerald was always a prominent figure in the party and in Parliament, with his dandy clothes and wonderful demeanour in speaking.

"Gerald came from a proud Jewish background. He always wanted to bring peace to the Middle East and it was my pleasure to travel with him to many countries.

"I last saw him in his lovely flat in St John's Wood in London, surrounded by film posters and a library of the film world.

"He loved life and politics. I will deeply miss him, both for his political commitment and constant friendship."

Commons Speaker John Bercow said: "Gerald was a passionate campaigner for social justice, here in Britain and around the world.

"His passing will be mourned by his relatives, friends, constituents and colleagues."

Sir Gerald won in Manchester Gorton in 2015 with a majority of 24,079, beating the Green Party into second place.

The constituency is seen as one of Labour's safest seats and so the by-election resulting from his death is unlikely to cause any headaches for Mr Corbyn, despite the party losing Copeland to the Tories last week.

Conservative grandee and former chancellor Ken Clarke, 76, is now the new Father of the House, the title given to the MP with the longest continuous service who is not a minister.

Mr Clarke was also elected in June 1970 but Sir Gerald held the title as he was sworn in first.

Additional reporting by Press Association