Sir Gerald Kaufman: Oldest serving MP in the Commons dies aged 86

Sir Gerald Kaufman, the Labour MP and Father of the House of Commons, has died aged 86, sparking a by-election in his Manchester seat.

He died on Sunday evening having suffered from a long-term illness for several months, his family said.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said Sir Gerald was an "iconic and irascible figure", adding: "He loved life and politics. I will deeply miss him, both for his political commitment and constant friendship."

The Labour politician was first elected as Manchester Ardwick MP in 1970, before becoming Manchester Gorton MP after constituency boundary changes in 1983 until his death.

Sir Gerald's family announced his death "with great sadness", saying: "Sir Gerald dedicated his life to serving those who he believed would benefit most from a Labour government and Labour values in action.

"He believed that policy and principle without power were simply not enough to deliver the better life that he fought for on behalf of his constituents for almost 50 years."

Prime Minister Theresa May said: "I was very sad to hear of the death of Sir Gerald Kaufman.

"His was a life of remarkable commitment to his constituents in Manchester and to the political life of the nation.

"He spent more than half of his life as a parliamentarian, having been elected in 1970. As father of the house his wisdom and experience will be very much missed on all sides of the house."

Commons Speaker John Bercow said: "I was very saddened to learn of the death of Sir Gerald Kaufman, the Father of the House and Manchester Gorton's outstanding representative.

"Gerald was a passionate campaigner for social justice, here in Britain and around the world.

"His passing will be mourned by his relatives, friends, constituents and colleagues."

Sir Gerald will be replaced as Father of the House by the Conservative MP Ken Clarke, who has claimed he would have earned the role earlier had he not let Sir Gerald skip the MP signing up queue because he had an engagement.

Sir Gerald won his seat in 2015 with a majority of 24,079 and the constituency is regarded as one of Labour's safest seats.

So the by-election resulting from Sir Gerald's death is unlikely to cause any headaches for Mr Corbyn.

Conservative grandee and former chancellor Ken Clarke is the new Father of the House, the title given to the MP with the longest continuous service who is not a minister.