Ken Purchase: Farewell to dedicated man of the people

The former Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East died at the end of last month following an illness, aged 77.

At Bushbury Crematorium yesterday friends and family gathered to pay their last respects to Mr Purchase, who grew up in Wolverhampton and was a town councillor for 20 years before serving as an MP for 18 years.

It was standing room only in the West Chapel as the strains of Duke Ellington – one of jazz aficionado Mr Purchase's favourite artists – filled the air.

Among those in attendance was Dennis Skinner, the Labour elder statesman who sat next to Mr Purchase in the Commons for many years.

He said: "I remember when Ken retired he said he was going to put his feet up, but I told him that was never going to happen.

"We remained good pals after he left Parliament. He was totally devoted to the Labour party. I'll always think of him as one of the most decent men in politics.

"He never changed his views on fundamental issues that were important to him. Even though our opinions differed in some areas I could never fault him."

His successor in the Wolverhampton North East seat Emma Reynolds, who spoke at the service, said Mr Purchase had left a strong legacy in the city.

"Together they fostered the good community relations that we enjoy in the city today. He was passionate about housing and fought successfully to get more council houses built. He was dedicated to fighting inequality in all its forms."

Socialist anthem The Red Flag was enthusiastically sung at the service, while many of those present donned red ties in tribute to Mr Purchase's loyalty to the Labour party. They included Wolverhampton South West MP Rob Marris, who also spoke at the service. He said: "Ken was a colossus in the Wolverhampton political scene for more than 40 years.

"We will not see his like again." Mr Purchase started work at the age of 15 as an apprentice toolmaker at Arthur Shaw & Co in Willenhall. He went on to work as a housing officer at Walsall Council and attended the old Wolverhampton Polytechnic as a mature student, gaining a degree.

He was elected as an MP in the 1992 general election having narrowly missed out five years earlier. He spent his years in Parliament promoting the issues about which he cared profoundly, particularly education, housing, health and employment.

Jim Carpenter, the city's former Tory party leader, said he would remember Mr Purchase as a 'good opponent' during the pair's time on the old borough council.

"He was a first class councillor who went on to have quite an impact when he went to Westminster," Mr Carpenter said. "He taught me that as a politician you have an important job in representing the people. He was a great servant to Wolverhampton." Councillor Paul Sweet, who worked for Mr Purchase for nine years during his time in Parliament, said: "I saw first hand the support and care he gave to his constituents. Ken will be sorely missed." Councillor Alan Bolshaw, who represents Merry Hill, added: "Ken was big in stature and a political giant in Wolverhampton.

Oxley Councillor Ian Claymore, said he first met Mr Purchase more than 50 years ago. "It's a sad loss," he added. "He was a conviction politician and a true Labour man."

Mr Purchase is survived by his wife, Brenda, and two daughters, Samantha and Lisa. Samantha said the family had been overwhelmed with letters and cards.

"We are all so proud to be the family of Ken Purchase," she added.