Tributes to Lord Denis Healey, a ‘giant’ of Westminster

The Labour peer served in Number 11 during the 1974-79 government and became the party’s deputy leader in 1980 during a career on the frontline of British politics which began in 1952.

He died peacefully at his home in Alfriston, near Lewes, this morning after a short illness, his family said.

The Labour veteran, often viewed as “the best prime minister the party never had”, served as a major in the Royal Engineers in North Africa and Italy.

During the Anzio landings he was a beach master, received the MBE, and was mentioned in despatches.

Lord Healey stood unsuccessfully for election in 1945 and eventually entered the Commons as MP for Leeds South East in 1952.

He reached the Cabinet as defence secretary in 1964, but he will be remembered for his role as chancellor during a turbulent time for the British economy which saw the UK forced to go to the International Monetary Fund for a bailout.

Lord Healey twice ran for the Labour leadership but was defeated by James Callaghan in 1976 when Harold Wilson quit, and then again in the contest with Michael Foot in 1980 which led to the party’s leftward shift in opposition to Margaret Thatcher.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “Denis Healey was a giant of the Labour Party whose record of service to his party and his country stands as his testament.

“He distinguished himself with his military service during the Second World War and continued that commitment to the British people as a Labour politician at the highest levels of government. His wit and personality transcended politics itself, making him one of the most recognisable politicians of his era.

“Speaking personally, we had many interesting conversations when I was first elected to Parliament in 1983 and I found him a decent and very knowledgeable man who I enjoyed engaging with, particularly in his work as shadow foreign secretary.