Heart bypass for Dennis Skinner

Veteran Labour MP Dennis Skinner underwent a double heart by-pass operation on Monday, a close friend has announced.

She said that Mr Skinner, who is 71, was recovering from a 'successful' operation carried out at the Royal Brompton Hospital, London.

Some months ago Mr Skinner underwent treatment for a condition affecting his bladder.

It is understood that the operation, which was carried out on Monday morning, lasted more than three hours and that afterwards the doctors described it as a 'great, great success'.

Mr Skinner has been MP for Bolsover, in Derbyshire, since 1970. He describes himself as coming from 'good working-class mining stock' and has always been on the left-wing of the Labour Party.

At times, he has been a thorn in the side of successive Labour leaders, but as an orator he is one of the best crowd-pullers in the Party.

Despite the magnitude of today's operation, Mr Skinner quickly returned to his favourite topic, politics.

A statement on his behalf said: 'He has already voted against a war with Iraq five times and regrets that he will be unable to leave hospital to vote against the war this time.'

Mr Skinner has served for many years on the ruling National Executive of the Labour Party.

He also supports Derby County football club and Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

Soon after regaining consciousness after the operation he was discussing cricket with the nurses.

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