Leo Abse (1917-2008)

Leo Abse was a Labour Member of Parliament for nearly 30 years (holding the seat for Pontypool from 1958 to 1983 and then Torfaen from 1983 - 1987), and is noted for promoting private member's bills to legalise male homosexual relations and liberalise the divorce laws. Following his retirement from Parliament he wrote a number of books about politics based on his interest in psychoanalysis.

The former Labour MP died at the age of 91, at Charing Cross Hospital, west London, on Tuesday night after a short illness. Rest in Peace.