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:
I’m very sad at the passing of my good friend Paul Flynn. He had such love for Newport, knowledge of radical South Wales history and a dry wit. He was an independent thinker who was a credit to the Labour Party. He will be greatly missed.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 17, 2019
Newport East MP Jessica Morden:
Very sad news about the death of Paul Flynn. In his 35 years as @nptwestlab MP he never let up campaigning against injustice & championing his beloved Newport. He did this in his own inimitable style, with wit & humour. The most generous of neighbours. Love to Sam & the family
— Jessica Morden (@jessicamordenmp) February 18, 2019
Newport East AM John Griffiths:
Very sad at death of my good friend and champion parliamentarian @PaulFlynnMP. Paul’s first 1987 election win my first campaign.
— John Griffiths AM (@JGriffithsLab) February 18, 2019
Leader of Newport's Conservative group Cllr Matthew Evans:
Saddened to hear about the death of Paul Flynn, although politically on different sides of the planet, personally I always found him helpful and accommodating. He served Newport for over thirty years with passion and commitment. Sympathies to Sam and family #RIPPaulFlynn
— Matthew Evans (@matthewevansnpt) February 18, 2019
Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds:
Devastated to hear of the loss of Paul Flynn MP: a unique, truly outstanding parliamentarian. He was a master constructor of questions in the House of Commons and represented Newport West tenaciously. My thoughts are with his wife Sam, all his family, friends & @nptwestlab.
— Nick Thomas-Symonds (@NickTorfaenMP) February 18, 2019
Islwyn MP Chris Evans:
So sad to hear that our comrade and welsh political stalwart Paul Flynn has died. Thoughts are with his family and friends.
— Chris Evans MP (@ChrisEvansMP) February 18, 2019
Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay:
Very sorry to hear this sad news. I always enjoyed my chats with Paul. He spoke from a wealth of experience and always thought “outside the box”. RIP Paul, you were one of a kind @southwalesargus https://t.co/oLFCf1p31O
— Nick Ramsay (@NickRamsayAM) February 18, 2019
And Welsh secretary Alun Cairns said:
Very sorry to hear of Paul Flynn’s passing. My thoughts & prayers are with his family.He was an exceptional constituency MP & it was a privilege to work with him taking the Wales Bill through Parliament when he was Shadow SoS for Wales.We always had a warm & friendly relationship
— Alun Cairns (@AlunCairns) February 18, 2019
Caerphilly MP Wayne David:
I am saddened to hear that Paul Flynn MP has passed away. I knew Paul for many years and was always impressed by his wisdom and wit. He was an outstanding MP and he will be missed by the people of Newport West.
— Wayne David (@WayneDavid_MP) February 18, 2019
Deputy Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth:
Mae’n ddrwg gen i glywed y newydd am farwolaeth Paul Flynn - gwr bonheddig ac egwyddorol.
— Rhun ap Iorwerth (@RhunapIorwerth) February 18, 2019
Sad to hear of the passing of Paul Flynn. A man of real principle who I respected greatly. Sincere condolences to Paul’s family.
Former mayor of Newport Cllr David Fouweather:
Sorry to hear that Paul Flynn has passed away. My thoughts are with his family at this time. We may have had our political differences but I always found him to be a decent, polite and fair minded man whenever I had any dealings with him. RIP @southwalesargus @ArgusICraig
— David Fouweather (@DaveFouweather) February 18, 2019
Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert:
So very sad to hear of the passing of Paul Flynn MP. A true champion of social justice.
— Jeff Cuthbert (@JeffCuthbert) February 18, 2019
A genuine Socialist and powerful advocate for disadvantaged people everywhere.
He will be sorely missed.
Plaid Cymru South Wales East AM Delyth Jewell:
I have fond memories of discussing ancient Welsh literature with Paul Flynn, and hearing him speaking about Dafydd ap Gwilym in debates. A very learned, kind man. Newyddion hynod drist.
— Delyth Jewell (@delythjewell) February 18, 2019
Former first minister Carwyn Jones:
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of @PaulFlynnMP . A strong devolutionist, he did much to create modern Welsh Labour. Even as he fought a serious illness his commitment to his constituents continued. Diolch am bopeth Paul.
— Carwyn Jones AM/AC (@AMCarwyn) February 18, 2019
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Paul Davies:
Very sad to hear of Paul Flynn’s passing. He was a first class Parliamentarian who clearly loved the constituency he represented. Always standing up for what he believed in. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very difficult time.
— Paul Davies AM/AC (@PaulDaviesPembs) February 18, 2019
Former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood:
Newyddion trist / sad to hear about the passing of Paul Flynn MP.
— LeanneWood 🏴 (@LeanneWood) February 18, 2019
He was one of the principled ones.
Cwsg mewn hedd / Rest in peace. https://t.co/2uxYzgrMRr
Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds:
So sad to hear #PaulFlynn has passed away. I was on a Brexit Committee with him last year and he was his usual lively self, joking and butting in. His passing is such sad news and my thoughts are with his friends and family. Wales has lost a giant. https://t.co/17ciSWjl9M
— Jane Dodds 🏴🇪🇺🔶 (@DoddsJane) February 18, 2019
Former Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Newport West Nick Webb:
I'm deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Paul Flynn. A fine parliamentary orator, he used his eloquence & sharp mind to give life to his political message in a manner few could match. My thoughts are with his family, friends & his @nptwestlab colleagues.
— Nicolas Webb (@ndwebb) February 18, 2019
Former leader of the Welsh Conservatives Nick Bourne:
So very sad to hear of the passing of Paul Flynn MP- a principled man, independently minded and kind with an impish humour. RIP Paul.
— Lord Nick Bourne (@lordnickbourne) February 18, 2019
Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott:
Very sad to hear about the passing of Paul Flynn. Sending deepest condolances to his family and friends. He will be missed https://t.co/1hSjT8l7Co
— Diane Abbott (@HackneyAbbott) February 18, 2019
Cardiff West MP Kevin Brennan:
So sad to lose my dear friend and comrade Paul Flynn - a passionate pursuer of justice for the least well off, a free thinker and wonderful wordsmith RIP Paul x @PaulFlynnMP
— Kevin Brennan MP (@KevinBrennanMP) February 17, 2019
Ogmore MP Chris Elmore:
Here we are in June 2017. The whole @WelshLabour group of MPs with Paul Flynn. We’ll all miss his humour, advice and kindness. His constituents have lost a dedicated champion. Parliament has lost a compassionate, independent minded & truly great Parliamentarian. pic.twitter.com/MuGtW7unHp
— Chris Elmore MP (@CPJElmore) February 18, 2019
Journalist Owen Jones:
RIP Paul Flynn, Labour MP for Newport West, who has died at the age of 84. Here he is in 2016 urging his party to stay together. pic.twitter.com/LqVuqzvv56
— Owen Jones🌹 (@OwenJones84) February 18, 2019
Others also paid their own tributes.
Paul Flynn MP has died 😢
— Jon Worth (@jonworth) February 18, 2019
This is the letter he sent me when I was 16 and joined the Labour Party in Newport West
It was a privilege to know Paul - a central and formative character in my early years in politics... pic.twitter.com/PRQFPjnc1x
Saddened to learn that @PaulFlynnMP has died. He was a stalwart champion for Newport West, his constituents, and his many good causes. He was always kind and charming when we met. Paul will be very much missed, and my condolences and sympathies go to his family and many friends.
— Gez Kirby (@gezkirby) February 18, 2019
Very sad to hear that Paul Flynn has died. I published three books by him, including 'How to be an MP' and his autobiography. A lovely man with a very well developed sense of humour. And a great parliamentarian. pic.twitter.com/RpyUwUKEHT
— Iain Dale (@IainDale) February 18, 2019
As one of his constituents , I didn't contact him very often , but on the few times I did he always replied. Can't ask for more than that . RIP Paul.
— Dai Williams (@DaiNewpt) February 18, 2019
First interaction with any kind of politician was Paul Flynn. Came to our school for a Q&A and was struck by what a down to earth, lovely guy he was. He really cared for Newport. A true public servant, and will be truly missed.
— Matt Turner (@MattTurner4L) February 18, 2019
Paul Flynn was a principled politician that I had the honour of knowing. He long campaigned for the legalisation of cannabis for medicinal use. My thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/Pxhp4ZUuH8
— JJ (@ducksinrow) February 18, 2019
Really sad to hear the news that Paul Flynn has passed away. One of the first politicians I ever interviewed as a cub TV reporter in the late 1990s. Always enjoyed his company in studio. Thoughts and prayers with his family.
— Jason Mohammad (@jasonmohammad) February 18, 2019
Rest in Peace Paul Flynn. Our sympathies go out to his family, friends, and those in @nptwestlab circle at this sad time. A principled parliamentarian, and a formidable and compassionate representative of the constituents of Newport West. He will be sorely missed.
— Caerleon Labour (@CaerleonLabour) February 18, 2019
We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul Flynn MP.
— Torfaen Labour Party (@Torfaen_Labour) February 18, 2019
He was a formidable parliamentarian, a huge man of principle and dedicated servant of the people of Newport West. Our sincere thoughts go to his family, friends and colleagues at @nptwestlab at this sad time.#RIPPaul
Paul Flynn. A man of kindness, courage, wit & determination. A true campaigner. Author of a book so many new MPs turn to in order to find out 'How to be a Backbencher'. Love to his family & his many friends. Politics was richer for his presence and his loss will be deeply felt.
— Thangam Debbonaire (@ThangamMP) February 18, 2019
The sincerity of the cross party tributes to #PaulFlynn demonstrates the depth to which he was respected and loved for his sometimes idiosyncratic but always principled approach to politics. The 1987 intake of Welsh Labour MPs were a super talented bunch.
— Daran Hill (@daranhill) February 18, 2019
Sad to hear the passing of Paul Flynn. He was a fierce opponent, but his lack of fear for speaking out on controversial subjects always left me impressed, and his commitment to speaking up for the disenfranchised was hugely commendable. Condolences to all in @nptwestlab
— Oliver Townsend (@obtownsend) February 18, 2019
Paul Flynn.
— John (Eggsy) (@EggsyGLC) February 18, 2019
Legend. pic.twitter.com/16xIJZH1yp
I only ever spoke to Paul Flynn as a journalist but he was always eager to help and always spoke his mind plainly - which is probably why I phoned him so often! Every year I show my media law/gov students the clip of him being ejected from the Commons on the Iraq War. Lovely man.
— Ifan Morgan Jones (@ifanmj) February 18, 2019
Very sad to wake up to the news of Paul Flynn’s death. Paul was a one of a kind, his humour and wit was used to great effect campaigning for social justice. He will be greatly missed by all in the Labour Party. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/N2kxGxovdm
— Labour Whips (@labourwhips) February 18, 2019
So sad to see that MP Paul Flynn has died. Paul had been a huge political influence in my life, an intellectual awesome minded politician,not afraid to speak his mind. Parliament+Newport has lost a huge figure. Thoughts go to Sam+the Family sleep easy Paul https://t.co/H6P4cP69k3
— Stephen Marshall #FBPE (@StephenMNewport) February 18, 2019
Must say losing a huge figure, like Paul Flynn, really feels like we’ve lost part of the South Wales Labour family tonight. He must, as he will, be remembered as a fantastic figure in the welsh Labour movement.
— Ellie (@ElunedAnderson) February 17, 2019
“Labour with Corbyn in place is distinctive, idealistic, gritty and armed with messages of forceful clarity and freshly minted ideals.” - Paul Flynn on why he stood in solidarity with @jeremycorbyn in 2016.
— Tom Raeside 🌹 (@RaesideTom25) February 18, 2019
Rest in Power. 🌹✊️ pic.twitter.com/a1vEnZKRWF
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