BURY South MP Ivan Lewis has paid tribute to his fellow politician Paul Goggins, who died last week.

Mr Goggins, aged 60, Labour MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, became seriously ill on December 30 after collapsing while running.

He died in Salford Royal Hospital on January 7 following complications from a brain haemorrhage.

Mr Lewis, the shadow secretary of state for Northern Ireland, gave a moving tribute to Mr Goggins in The House of Commons last week.

Mr Lewis said: “Paul served with distinction as a minister in Northern Ireland.

“He earned the respect of politicians, officials and community activists alike for his knowledge and empathy.

“But Paul was a lot more than an outstanding minister. He was a man whose integrity, decency and values, rooted in a strong Christian faith, shone through in everything he did. He treated everyone with the same dignity and respect, whether a prime minister or a constituent living on one of the poorest council estates in Wythenshawe.”

Mr Lewis added: “I will never forget Paul’s loyalty and friendship through the ups and downs of our shared political journey.

“He will be missed more than words can adequately express. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Wyn and his children.”

On learning of Mr Goggins’ death, Bury North MP David Nuttall, writing on his Twitter account, said: “Very sorry to hear of the death of Paul Goggins. I always found him the most decent, honest and friendly MP to work with.”