Tributes to ‘huge character’ and former MP who has died aged 86
LABOUR LEADER Jeremy Corbyn has led tributes to former MP Joe Ashton, who has died aged 86.
The former Bassetlaw MP’s family said he had been suffering from dementia and his death was unrelated to coronavirus.
But his daughter, Lucy Ashton, said the Covid-19 restrictions had meant she could not be with him in his final hours.
Ms Ashton, who is a journalist based in Sheffield, said her father’s funeral will be restricted to just her and her husband, and an obituary she has written will be the only way she can pay proper tribute.
She said on Twitter: “My dad has passed away. I wasn’t able to be with him at the end because of Covid-19.
“The funeral will just be me and my husband and I can’t even buy flowers.
“So I wrote this because it’s the only way I can pay tribute to him and say goodbye. RIP Dad.” Mr Corbyn said: “Joe was a lifelong and faithful servant of the Labour Party and the people of Bassetlaw and Sheffield, where he was a councillor.
“He grew up in poverty in Sheffield and never lost sight of the suffering and struggles people endure in and out of work and this guided his political life. He was a huge character and leaves a rich and lasting legacy. He will be sadly missed.”
Mr Ashton was married to his late wife Maggie for 57 years and they leave two grandchildren.
He represented the Nottinghamshire seat of Bassetlaw for 33 years.
Mr Ashton grew up in Sheffield and went on to become an awardwinning newspaper columnist, author, playwright and director of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, as well as a politician.
His family said there will be no public funeral due to Covid-19, but a memorial service will take place later.
Lord Mann, who succeeded Mr Ashton as MP for Bassetlaw, said on Twitter: “Very sad news. Joe was personification of a breed of MPs no longer around these days. Blunt, funny, opinionated and working class.”