I WAS saddened to read that Andrew Miller, the former MP for Ellesmere Post and Neston, had died over Christmas.

I had known him in Labour Party circles for over thirty years Notable occasions including sitting next to him during every session at party conference one year; another was his speech launching Christine Russell as the prospective candidate for City of Chester in the run up to the 1997 general election.

While campaigning during the recent general election in Weaver Vale where he lived, I popped in to see how he was coping.

Although in poor health he was in fine spirit and bearing his illness with dignity.

May he rest in peace.

Tony Murphy by email.