It was with great sadness that I heard the news of Bob Sheldon’s passing. I first met him when he came to Tameside College in 1991 to do a Q&A with the students on my course and he left a lasting impression on me. He was a remarkable public servant over a long and distinguished career as both an MP and then a Peer, including stints as a Treasury Minister and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee for 14 years.
His contribution to Tameside was recognised when he became a freeman of the borough in December 1989 and he is still fondly remembered by his former constituents. Lord Sheldon Way and the Sheldon Arms – both in my constituency – serve as a reminder of this and his commitment to the communities of Tameside. My thoughts are with Bob’s friends and family.