'Mark was an outstanding MP and it was a privilege to work with him'

WITH so many international and national significant events dominating the news, I'm tempted to select one of those for my column this month.

- Joan Walley - Former Stoke-on-Trent North MP

But given the sad news of the recent death of former Stoke-on-Trent MP Mark Fisher, I want instead to make this a tribute to him and a remembrance of all the valued work he did over his lifetime.

He served this city as a Labour MP with loyalty and commitment from 1983 to his retirement due to ill health in 2010.

That in itself is a feat to be remembered celebrated and so we should.

I first met Mark in late 1986. Having been selected to stand for Stoke-on-Trent North I was keen to meet my likely future city MP colleagues. Mark didn't disappoint.

He generously invited me to meet him at the House of Commons and in the days before mobile phones and tightened security at Westminster, I remember him waiting to greet me on the steps of St Stephens entrance to Parliament wearing what I would later come to recognise as his stock trademark work uniform of suit, overcoat and red woollen scarf.

Westminster was all new to me and he was encouraging as well as generous with his time.

With an Eton public school education and a father with a long standing record as a Conservative MP, not to mention the Irish aristocratic background, on paper he seemed an unlikely fit for a Labour MP for a city like ours.