Glastonbury co-organisers Michael and Emily Eavis have mourned Tony Benn, the left-wing icon who died today (March 14) at the age of 88.

The former Labour MP opened the festival's Left Field in 2002 and returned to speak every year, including 2013.



"Tony Benn achieved legendary status in his own lifetime as he fought to improve the lot of the working class people of this country," said Michael Eavis in a statement. "As a politician he presented his arguments in such a way that even his opponents couldn't resist his charm."

"We were very privileged to have him starring at the Left Field political forum on so many occasions. His absence this year will be really sad."

Tony Benn rest in peace. A true inspiration for all of us and a loyal friend of the festival. Will be greatly missed and never forgotten. â€” Emily Eavis (@emilyeavis) March 14, 2014

Benn, who had been seriously ill, became a Labour MP in 1950, serving in cabinets under prime ministers Harold Wilson and James Callaghan.

He retired from parliament in 2001 and was president of the Stop the War Coalition from its establishment on September 21 that year until his death today.

"We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the NHS staff and carers who have looked after him with such kindness in hospital and at home," read a statement from his family.

"We will miss above all his love which has sustained us throughout our lives. But we are comforted by the memory of his long, full and inspiring life and so proud of his devotion to helping others as he sought to change the world for the better."

Watch Tony Benn speak at Glastonbury's Left Field in at the 2008 festival below:

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