Memorial planned for Lib Dem MP

Patsy Calton had fought a long battle with cancer

A memorial service will be held for Patsy Calton, the Cheadle MP who died from cancer just weeks after defending her seat with an increased majority.

The 56-year-old Liberal Democrat, who held the UK's smallest majority prior to her win on 5 May, died from cancer.

The service will be held at St George's Church, Heaviley, Stockport, on 17 June. Her funeral will take place elsewhere at an earlier date.

A date for the Cheadle by-election has not yet been set.

Senior Westminster politicians are expected to attend the memorial service, with plans being made to relay it to the public outside the 1,000-seater church.

She was always such an inspiration in everything she did and every issue she tackled on behalf of her constituents Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council

Mrs Calton first won her seat in 2001 with a majority of just 33 votes from the Conservative Stephen Day.

Despite her health problems, she increased this to a majority of about 4,000 in May, although she could not attend the count because she was undergoing treatment.

She was last seen at Westminster, five days before her death, in a wheelchair after travelling by ambulance to swear her oath.

Prior to becoming an MP, she had served as a councillor for West Bramhall since 1994 and was chair of social services and deputy leader of the council.

Councillor Mark Hunter, leader of the council, said in tribute: "As a friend and colleague Patsy will be sorely missed by all of us.

"She was always such an inspiration in everything she did and every issue she tackled on behalf of her constituents.

"Her huge devotion to Cheadle was indisputable."