TRIBUTES have been paid to Newport West MP Paul Flynn, who died yesterday, from across the political divide.

Among them was first minister Mark Drakeford said: “Paul Flynn was a giant of the Welsh Labour movement and today’s news will be a source of great sadness to all those who knew him.

“He was one of the most effective communicators of his generation - inside the House of Commons and outside. But it was Paul’s willingness to speak up for causes beyond the political mainstream, which marked him out as a politician of real courage and integrity.

“I first met him more than 35 years ago, and it has been a privilege to have worked with him, in the run-up to the devolution era and beyond.

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“Our thoughts are with his family today and all those who knew him.”

And Newport West AM Jayne Bryant said: “Paul was a giant of the Labour movement, a passionate devolutionist and an exceptional parliamentarian.

“He was respected across the political divide with his wonderful turn of phrase, witty comments and incisive mind. Undoubtedly, Paul spoke truth to power. He was far ahead of his time on issues which others found too controversial. He was proved right on so many of them.

“He loved Newport and was so proud to represent this constituency. There could be no one better to have on your side than Paul. A tenacious campaigner, who cared about people and never gave up, always wanting to seek out and speak up for the silent voices.

“I first met Paul when I was nine years old when he visited my school after he was first elected to represent Newport West in 1987. He brought politics alive to me then and has done so ever since. Never bland or boring, Paul proved that politics was about people and wanted young people to be as passionate about it as he was all his life. He was forever optimistic.

“Best of all he was kind, inspiring and so much fun to be around. I will miss him greatly and my thoughts are with his wife Sam and their family. He has done Newport, Wales and the Labour movement proud."

Newport City Council leader Cllr Debbie Wilcox called the news "the end of an era in Newport and Westminster".

“My sincere condolences to Sam and the family from Newport City Council," she said.

"He was a fervent campaigner and someone who spoke his mind without fear or favour – a really independent thinker.

“He served the city first as a councillor for Newport Borough Council and later Gwent County Council before becoming a wonderful constituency MP who helped thousands of people over the decades.

“Although he didn’t hail from Newport he will always be regarded as a son of the city and one of its biggest supporters.

“He was a good friend and colleague and I will miss him, his wit and his contribution to public life. He will be a difficult act to follow.”

Flags are flying at half-mast at Newport Civic Centre.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also added his tribute:

Newport East MP Jessica Morden:

Newport East AM John Griffiths:

Leader of Newport's Conservative group Cllr Matthew Evans:

Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds:

Islwyn MP Chris Evans:

Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay:

And Welsh secretary Alun Cairns said:

Caerphilly MP Wayne David:

Deputy Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth:

Former mayor of Newport Cllr David Fouweather:

Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert:

Plaid Cymru South Wales East AM Delyth Jewell:

Former first minister Carwyn Jones:

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Paul Davies:

Former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood:

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds:

Former Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Newport West Nick Webb:

Former leader of the Welsh Conservatives Nick Bourne:

Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott:

Cardiff West MP Kevin Brennan:

Ogmore MP Chris Elmore:

Journalist Owen Jones:

Others also paid their own tributes.