Tony Banks

[Guest guest]

Many friends and colleagues have paid tribute to the former sports

minister Tony Banks who died after suffering a massive stroke, aged

62.

The ex-Labour MP for West Ham and latterly Lord Stratford, was taken

ill on holiday in Sanibel Island, Florida.

 

Tony Blair paid tribute to " one of the most charismatic politicians

in Britain, a true man of the people " .

 

Banks' friend, ex-Tory minister David Mellor, said he was a " man of

passion " and had a " sharp and witty tongue " .

 

Fellow Chelsea fan, Mr Mellor added: " But he exuded such joie de

vivre that no-one could seriously take offence to his opinions.

 

" He was immensely popular on both sides of the House. "

 

Lord Stratford became an MP in 1983 but did not stand in last year's

election.

 

He was known for his forthright views while an MP. His popularity

with the public gave him a " man of the people " image.

 

As an MP, his office was based in Stratford, east London, for 20

years, an area where he also lived.

 

He took his ministerial role in Tony Blair's first administration but

resigned in 1999 to concentrate on the World Cup bid.

 

From the backbenches he pursued his passion for animal welfare,

contributing to the Hunting Bill debate.

 

His death will be a real loss to animal welfare worldwide

Phyllis Campbell-McRae

IFAW director

 

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) director Phyllis

Campbell-McRae said he had worked with the charity for many years.

 

" He was deeply committed, articulate and inspiring to work with, and

he never lost his sense of humour. His death will be a real loss to

animal welfare worldwide, " she said.

 

" Tony played a pivotal role in banning the cruel sport of hunting

with dogs in England and Wales, an achievement he will always be

remembered for. "

 

RSPCA Director Jackie Ballard described the peer as " a true friend to

the RSPCA " .

 

" He was passionate in his campaigns to help animals and people, " she

said.

 

HAVE YOUR SAY

I am so sad to hear of the death of Tony Banks. He is another

colourful character who will be sadly missed for his forthright

views.

 

Garry, Portsmouth

 

 

Send us your comments

 

Lyn Brown, who took over from him as MP for West Ham last May said he

was her mentor and a " really effective voice " for his constituents.

 

" Tony was a warm, generous, humorous man and it is a tragedy that he

has died so young, " she said.

 

Chelsea Football Club, of which the peer was an avid fan, said in a

statement that everybody at the club was " terribly saddened " by the

news of his sudden death.

 

" Chelsea Football Club, and all its fans, have lost a great friend

and fanatical supporter, " it said.

 

" Tony's knowledge and love of Chelsea was unparalleled. He always had

the club close to his heart and in recent years worked with us on

many projects. "

 

The club will decide over the next few days on an " appropriate

tribute " for him.