SAM Woodcock, the man who steered two Labour MPs to overwhelming General Election victories, has died.

Mr Woodcock was a former chairman of Tyldesley Council and agent for Tom Boardman and formerly for Leigh's present MP, Lawrence Cunliffe.

Paying tribute to a 'plain, blunt, old Labour party organiser,' Mr Cunliffe said: "He was jolly, loveable character dedicated to the Labour Party; a great agent and superb organiser.

"I personally owe much to his advice and guidance."

Formerly of Mosley Common and caretaker at Garrett Hall School, Mr Woodcock was 83 when he died in Eaton Hall Home, Leigh.

Mr Woodcock and his late wife, Gertrude, were a formidable couple in local government. They served together on Tyldesley Council and Mrs Woodcock was also a member of Wigan Council.

His funeral was on Tuesday at Bethany Evangelical Church, Leigh, followed by cremation at Overdale. He leaves a daughter and two sons.

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