BBC Breakfast hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent paid tribute to former Labour deputy leader Lord Hattersley during Monday's programme. The 93-year-old politician died, prompting Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to call him a 'giant of the Labour movement'.
Jon Kay announced the news live on air, saying: 'Tributes have been paid to the former deputy leader of the Labour party, Lord Hattersley, who has died at the age of 93.' A pre-recorded report by political correspondent Iain Watson followed, reflecting on Hattersley's career.
Lord Hattersley served as deputy leader under Neil Kinnock from 1983, after Labour's historic defeat to Margaret Thatcher. He was an MP for Birmingham Sparkbrook for over 30 years and held cabinet positions under James Callaghan. Watson noted Hattersley's role in modernising Labour, including ditching unilateral disarmament and withdrawing from Europe.
Sir Keir Starmer said: 'Through decades of service, including as deputy leader and a minister, he never lost his belief in a more equal Britain. My thoughts are with his wife Maggie and his family.' Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell added that Hattersley 'shaped the Labour Party and British politics' and was 'a giant of our movement'.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle described Lord Hattersley as 'devoted to politics, public duty and writing'. The BBC Breakfast segment concluded with a tribute card on screen.
