British Labour Party veteran Denis Healey dies at 98

Denis Healey, one of the heavyweights of British post-war politics often described as the best prime minister the opposition Labour Party never had, died on Saturday at the age of 98. Known for his wit, oratorical skills and large bushy eyebrows, Healey held the key posts of defence secretary and finance secretary in the 1960s and 1970s during his 40 years as a lawmaker.

A great man and a genuine public servant has left us. We should mourn with his family and give thanks for all he gave our country

Prime Minister David Cameron

A parliamentary orator of stature with an intellect to match, Healey provided some of the more memorable moments in the House of Commons, once describing a rhetorical onslaught from opponent Geoffrey Howe as akin to being “savaged by a dead sheep”. Born in 1917, Healey studied at Oxford University and fought in the army during World War Two. Healey’s family said he died peacefully at his home in Sussex after a brief illness.

Denis Healey was a giant of the Labour Party whose record of service to his party and his country stands as his testament.

Jeremy Corbyn

Politics Denis Healey