TRIBUTES have been paid to former Labour politician Eric Moonman who has died aged 88.

Born in Liverpool in 1929, Mr Moonman was well known in the area after serving as MP for Billericay from 1966 to 1970.

Four years later, when Labour returned, Mr Moonman regained a seat representing Basildon from 1974 to 1979.

After serving stints in Parliament, he left Labour in the 1980s to join the Social Democratic Party before embarking on a a career in academia.

He became a Professor of Management at City University and a senior fellow at the University of Liverpool.

Among his many interests he chaired the Zionist Federation, Islington Health Authority and Toynbee Hall’s finance committee, was Northern manager of the Daily Mirror and was once leader of Stepney Council.

He was also a governor of the British Film Institute, and chaired the London branch of Everton supporters’ club.

Angela Smith, Baroness of Basildon and former MP until 2010, recalled Eric as a hard-working and highly-regarded public servant.

She said: “Basildon owes a lot to Eric. He had a very strong and well-deserved reputation as a hard-working and dedicated constituency MP.

“He campaigned for me when I was elected in 1997 and remained involved throughout his life.

“When he lost his seat, there was a lot of sadness from the community - not just Labour voters.”

“He has left a legacy in Basildon and is remembered fondly by his constituents.”

Alan Gershlick, 70, of Jefferies Solicitors, Southend, said: “Eric was a strong Labour supporter but was not left wing at all. He was an ardent Zionist when the Labour Party was a place for Jews to be proud members.”

Peter Baum, a founding member of Southend Friends of Israel, sat on the Board of Deputies with Eric and said: “A warm and charming man and also one of great intellect.”

Stephen Redstone, who runs Redstone’s Hotel in Westcliff, said: “Eric was a great family friend and stayed with us on many occasions while canvassing to become MP.

“When he acquired his seat he sent us a letter and put his success down to mum’s lokshen soup.

“Mum displayed that letter for all to see. After that whenever Eric went for any new position in either politics or within the Jewish community he would stay at Redstone’s he said ‘for good luck’.”

Mr Moonman died on December 22.