Left to Right Tony Mulhearn, Tony Benn, Eddie Loyden, Hugh Dalton, Eric Heffer and Derek Hatton in November 1983

“He encouraged us.” These were the words Tony Benn said he would most like to see on his grave stone. Today the Labour Movement, indeed the world is bereft of a true champion of working people. He can rest now, safe in the knowledge that he truly encouraged and inspired all of us.

There are many tributes today, far more eloquent and moving than anything I could pen. I would refer you to this one in the Liverpool Echo or this one to Benn and fellow fighter Bob Crow. Tony stood by the city of Liverpool when politicians obsessed with their careers abandoned it in the pursuit of popularity.

He rejoiced along with us when politicians on Merseyside, campaigning on the socialist ideals he had espoused his whole life cleaned…