Prime Minister leads tributes at Michael Foot's funeral

GORDON Brown led mourners in fond tribute to Michael Foot at the funeral today of the former Labour leader, who died aged 96 earlier this month. The Prime Minister hailed the man famed for his dazzling oratory and fiery debating skills - but who neverthel

GORDON Brown led mourners in fond tribute to Michael Foot at the funeral today of the former Labour leader, who died aged 96 earlier this month.

The Prime Minister hailed the man famed for his dazzling oratory and fiery debating skills - but who nevertheless led his party to electoral disaster in 1983 - as "one of the greatest parliamentarians ever".

Mr Brown was speaking as a host of senior Labour figures past and present joined friends and 60 family members for the non-religious service at Golders Green Crematorium.

About 160 gathered in the austere red-brick West Chapel to hear Mr Brown declare that Mr Foot "was one of the most elegant of orators, one of the greatest parliamentarians ever", with "so many talents".

For the full report read this Thursday's Ham&High.