Tributes paid to Eric Forth

MPs have been paying tribute to ex-Conservative minister Eric Forth after he died from cancer.
The 61-year-old Bromley and Chislehurst MP served as a trade and education minister in the 1990s. In opposition he served as shadow Commons leader.

Tory leader David Cameron praised Mr Forth for his "incisive wit" and said he was a "master of detail".

Tony Blair said he was the kind of colourful character who made the House of Commons what it was.

The prime minister's official spokesman said Mr Blair believed Mr Forth would be sorely missed - even by those who had disagreed with him.

'Masterclass'

Known for his trademark colourful ties and waistcoats, Mr Forth was famous for using intricate parliamentary procedures to thwart government plans.

He used filibusters to kill or delay legislation, especially when he thought it was being rushed through Parliament - a tactic which made him one of the best known performers in the Commons.

Mr Forth died in London's Charing Cross Hospital on Wednesday night. His illness became worse at the end of last week and he was admitted to hospital.

Mr Cameron said the death of Mr Forth, a big fan of Elvis Presley, had robbed the Commons of one its stars and his constituency of a great champion.

"My first job as an Opposition spokesman was serving under Eric when he was shadow leader of the House," he said.

"Watching him speak in Parliament as an MP and from the front bench was a masterclass in how you can use the House of Commons to hold governments to account.

"He had a great mastery of detail combined with an incisive wit and an unbeatable sense of timing."

Mr Cameron said they had not agreed about everything.

"The last thing he would want to be described as was a moderniser," he said.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL ARTICLE