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Michael Foot, who was leader of the Labour Party from 1980 to 1983, has died at the age of 96.Mr Foot was in charge of the party when it fought the 1983 general election against Margaret Thatcher on a manifesto described as "the longest suicide note in history".
Following a crushing defeat, he stepped down as leader, handing over to Neil Kinnock. Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute to him as a "man of deep principle and passionate idealism". Tory leader David Cameron said: "He had an extraordinary life but they will be mourning the death of a remarkable man."
Lord Healey, who was defeated for the Labour leadership by Mr Foot, said he was "very, very sorry to hear of his death". He said: "I don't think he should be remembered only for the 1983 election defeat, because he made a tremendous contribution to the Labour Party when its future was on a knife edge."
Justice Secretary Jack Straw told MPs: "I am sure that this news will be received with great sadness not only in my own party but across the country as a whole."
Sky's political editor Adam Boulton said he was "one of the towering figures of the past century". "This will be a very sad moment for those who appreciate the history of the Labour Party."
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