Matt Williams

Jack Straw led the tributes yesterday as MPs across the party divide paid their respects at the funeral of long-serving parliamentarian Gwyneth Dunwoody.

Delivering a eulogy at St Margaret's Church in Westminster, the Justice Secretary said the Labour MP would be remembered for her "spirit, humour and above all her example". In glorious sunshine, senior figures from all sides of politics attended the service, which followed the death of Mrs Dunwoody last month at the age of 77.

Mourners were greeted by Mrs Dunwoody's daughter Tamsin, who will fight for her mother's vacant seat in the forthcoming by-election in Crewe and Nantwich. Among those attending were the Tory and LibDem leaders David Cameron and Nick Clegg.

They rubbed shoulders with Labour stalwarts such as Frank Dobson and Dennis Skinner. The Prime Minister was unable to attend due to commitments and Deputy Leader Harriet Harman represented the Labour Party and government. Other mourners included Chancellor Alistair Darling and former cabinet member Margaret Beckett.

Inside the packed church, Mr Straw gave a moving and at times humorous tribute.

Mr Straw described the late parliamentarian as Labour through-and-through. He said: "Gwyneth was Labour, she was partisan but had many friends across the party divide and will be greatly touched by the attendance by so many from different parties."

Mr Straw also noted she had sat in parliament for longer than any other female MP, serving as MP for Exeter from 1966 to 1970 before representing Crewe and Nantwich from 1974. In all, she racked up a total of 38 years in the House of Commons.

Commenting on her combative image, Mr Straw recollected Mrs Dunwoody as saying: "I have no problem being called the battle-axe - very well made, very sharp and very efficient at what it does."

"There was the mother of the house, the great parliamentarian and then the awkward old bat," said Mr Straw. He added: "She was a person who would dare to speak what so many of us just thought."

Former House of Commons speaker Baroness Boothroyd gave a reading before MPs, relatives and friends filed behind Mrs Dunwoody's coffin and out of the church.