South Yorkshire MPs pay tribute to late Chancellor Denis Healey

World War II ex-serviceman Lord Healey ' the former Labour Chancellor Denis Healey ' was presented 'Monday May 10 2004 with the first of some 20,000 Veterans' Badges at a brief ceremony on the steps of the ancient Westminster Hall. The badges are an innovation designed to raise the profile of veterans among the general public and the presentation was made by Ivor Caplin, defence minister for veterans. See PA Story DEFENCE Veterans PA Photo:Fiona Hanson
World War II ex-serviceman Lord Healey ' the former Labour Chancellor Denis Healey ' was presented 'Monday May 10 2004 with the first of some 20,000 Veterans' Badges at a brief ceremony on the steps of the ancient Westminster Hall. The badges are an innovation designed to raise the profile of veterans among the general public and the presentation was made by Ivor Caplin, defence minister for veterans. See PA Story DEFENCE Veterans PA Photo:Fiona Hanson

Following the news of the death of Lord Healey yesterday, a number of MPs representing people in South Yorkshire have taken to social media to pay tribute to the former Labour Chancellor.

Doncaster North MP and ex-Labour leader, Ed Miliband Tweeted: “Denis Healey was an iconic figure of a great generation.

“He served our country and our party with unique character, humour and resilience.”

Also speaking on social media, Barnsley East MP, Michael Dugher said: “Farewell to #DenisHealey.

The Shadow Culture Secretary continued: “One of the great figures in British post-war public life, a true Labour giant and one of my political heroes. RIP”

Lord Healey, who died aged 98, was Labour’s defence secretary from 1964 to 1970 and chancellor of the exchequer from 1974 to 1979 before becoming deputy party leader in opposition in 1980.

The former Leeds MP’s family said he died peacefully at his Sussex home on yesterday, after a short illness.