MORE than 1,000 mourners, including politicians from all the main parties, paid their respects at the funeral of the Wythenshawe and Sale East MP Paul Goggins.

Labour leader Ed Miliband and Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls were among the congregation at Salford Cathedral last Thursday.

Mr Goggins died on January 7 at the age of 60 and political figures from Trafford also attended the funeral.

Council leader Matt Colledge, Graham Brady, MP for Altrincham and Sale West, Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green and Councillor David Acton, leader of Trafford’s Labour group, joined mourners.

Mr Goggins had represented his constituency since 1997 and Matt Strong, his parliamentary assistant said: “Paul’s funeral was very well attended by family, friends, constituents and colleagues. The number of people sending their condolences shows what a truly lovely man he was.”

Cllr Acton described the funeral as ‘a terribly sad day’ and added: “There is no doubt that Paul was held in the greatest regard and made a huge impression on everyone he met. Since his untimely death the words uttered by so many were that he was kind, respectful and a man of great integrity who held strong values of honesty, fairness and justice.”

The mourners also included former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell and former Conservative Defence Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind.