Farewell to a 'cheeky chappie'

For two decades Tony Banks has entertained MPs with his "cheeky chappie" interventions.

His style is part music-hall act, part professional ranter. He even inspired a collection of quotations called The Wit And Wisdom Of Tony Banks.

Sometimes he sailed close to the wind, such as when he called William Hague a "foetus".

Despite being a Labour stalwart, Mr Banks, 61, entered Parliament only at his fourth attempt. He became MP for Newham North West in 1983 (later West Ham) - a great seat marred only by being the wrong side of London from his beloved Chelsea Football Club.

In 1997 he was made sports minister but the restraints did not suit him and he resigned two years later. Last year he sought selection as Labour's mayoral candidate but was defeated by Nicky Gavron.

Born in Belfast, he went to school in Brixton before going to York University. He is married to Sally Banks, a fellow animal rights campaigner.