Insufferable at times, but a true fighter – tributes flood in for Bob Crow
'Insufferable' at times but a 'fighter', MPs, union chiefs and others paid tribute to RMT boss Bob Crow today.
The controversial militant leader of the transport union was praised by allies and the leaders of fellow unions as it was revealed he had died aged 52.
And Warley MP John Spellar, a former transport minister between 2001 and 2002, said: "I felt I could do business with Bob.
"I certainly did not agree with all his politics and there were times when he was insufferable. But he was a believer in the British train building industry at a time when there wasn't the right support for it in the civil service." Tom Watson, West Bromwich East MP, took to Twitter pay his respects. He said: "Death of a fighter. RIP Bob Crow."
UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage tweeted: "Sad at the death of Bob Crow. I liked him and he also realised working-class people were having their chances damaged by the EU."
Trades Union Congress general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "This is shocking news. Bob was an outstanding trade unionist, who tirelessly fought for his members, his industry and the wider trade union movement.
"He was always a good friend and comrade to me. We will miss him, and our thoughts are with his family and the RMT at this difficult time."
Matt Wrack, leader of the Fire Brigades Union, said: "Bob's passing is very sad news and the thoughts of firefighters will be with his family. Bob was a good friend to me personally and to the Fire Brigades Union as a whole.
"He was a strong leader for the labour movement and he'll be sorely missed by those who knew him."
Network Rail chief executive, Mark Carne, said: "On behalf of everyone at Network Rail, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Bob's friends and family, as well as the thousands of RMT members he worked so tirelessly for."
Hundreds of people took to Twitter to pay tribute to Mr Crow today:
