Labour MP Paul Goggins dies a week after collapsing while jogging

Labour MP Paul Goggins has died a week after collapsing on run (PA)

The Labour MP Paul Goggins has died in hospital eight days after he collapsed while jogging, his family said on Wednesday.

Mr Goggins, who served as a minister under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, was 60. He had been the MP for Wythenshaw and Sale East, in Greater Manchester, for 17 years.

He was admitted to hospital after being taken ill while out running with his son on 30 December. Mr Goggins died on Tuesday night with his wife, Wynn, and adult children, Matthew, Theresa and Dominic, at his bedside.

The family said in a statement: “We are completely heartbroken.

“He had been very ill since collapsing last week. The way in which he has been cared for at Salford Royal has been such a comfort to us and we can't thank the staff enough for this.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support and good wishes we have received from so many people - a real sign of love and a reflection of the sort of person Paul/Dad was.

“We would also like to thank the media for continuing to respect our privacy at such a difficult time.”

Mr Goggins, a former Salford councillor, was elected to Parliament in 1997 and appointed a Home Minister minister six years later. He was switched to the Northern Ireland Office in 2006 where he served until the last election.

He had a 7,575 majority at the last election over the Conservatives.

The Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "Paul's family is devastated and heartbroken by his death. They are not alone. The Labour Party has lost one of its most dignified, humane, wise and loyal MPs.

“People from all sides of the House of Commons had the greatest affection, admiration, and genuine respect for Paul. We are deeply saddened by his passing.

“Our thoughts and our deep condolences go out first and foremost to his wife Wyn, and his children, Matthew, Theresa and Dominic. They have lost a husband and a father for whom family was at the heart of everything he held most dear.

“Paul was a man of deep faith whose commitment and strong values shone through everything he did. As a social worker, councillor, MP and minister, attending to the needs of the most disadvantaged was always at the core of his particularly thoughtful and dedicated service. He was held in great affection by the people of Northern Ireland for his real understanding of the challenges they faced in the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement.

“I know Paul's family have been profoundly moved by the outpouring of support, love and affection they have received since Paul fell ill last week. The Labour Party has lost one of its very best and one of its own. We mourn him deeply.”