Political heavyweights gather at House of Lords to remember Lord Bilston
Senior parliamentarians from all parties were among scores of friends who turned out at the House of Lords to pay tribute to Dennis Turner – Lord Bilston – who died last February.
They packed the River Room to attend the launch of a biography of the former Wolverhampton South East MP titled Real Labour.
The story of Lord Bilston's life was compiled from notes taken at his bedside by his friends, Frank Reeves and Mel Chevannes, as he was suffering from cancer.
In a moving tribute, Lord Bilston's son Brendon Turner described him as 'an MP of the people' who knew and cared for all of his constituents in his home town of Bilston.
"Dad knew he was dying, but he so looked forward to his conversations with Frank and Mel," Brendon said.
Among the many MPs and peers at the launch were former Commons Speaker Baroness Boothroyd, ex-Labour leader Lord Kinnock and Margaret Beckett, who led the party for two months following the death of Tony Blair's predecessor John Smith.
Former Liberal leader Lord Steel, former South Staffordshire MP Lord Cormack and Lord Bilston's long-time friend and colleague, Ken Purchase were also there.
Former Wolverhampton North East MP Mr Purchase said: "Dennis, while in so many ways typical of Labour MPs who rose through the ranks, stood out as he was so well known for so long. He was truly committed to his country and to his people who he represented all his life."
Former Lichfield and Telford MP Lord Grocott, who organised the event, said: "It was a tremendous turnout, a mark of the affection and respect in which Dennis was held in the Black Country and in Parliament."
All profits from the book will go to Compton Hospice in Wolverhampton.
* Real Labour by Frank Reeves and Mel Chevannes. Blue Roof Books £11.99.
