Michael Meacher will be a hard act to follow, Jeremy Corbyn has said as he paid a warm Commons tribute to the late Labour veteran.
At the first Prime Minister's Question's since Mr Meacher's sudden death was announced last week, the Labour leader recounted a message from the MP's family to the Commons.
Mr Corbyn praised a "decent, passionate and profound man", while Prime Minister David Cameron said British politics would be "poorer" without him.
Mr Meacher represented his Oldham constituency for 45 years, first winning election to the Commons at the 1970 election.
Mr Corbyn said: "I spoke to the Meacher family last night and asked them how they would like Michael to be remembered. They thought about it and sent me a very nice message.
"This what they said - 'when I was young, one of the things he frequently said to me was people went into politics because they had principles and wanted to change things to make the world better. But that in order to get into power they would often compromise on their principles and this could happen again and again, until if they eventually did get into power they would have become so compromised they would do nothing with it.'
"Those of us who knew Michael knew him as a decent, passionate and profound man. He represented his constituency with diligence and distinction for 45 years.
"He was a brilliant environment minister, he was totally committed to Parliamentary democracy and this Parliament holding government - all governments - to account.
"And he was a life long campaigner against injustice and poverty. We remember Michael for all those things, we express our condolences, we express our sympathies to his family at this very difficult time. His will be a hard act to follow but we will do our best."
Earlier, Mr Cameron said: "I know the whole House will wish to join me in paying tribute to Michael Meacher. He died suddenly last week and we send our condolences to his family and friends.
"Michael dedicated his life to public service, diligently representing his Oldham
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