HUNDREDS of mourners packed a cathedral to pay their final respects to a former socialist titan, who dedicated his life to tackling injustices and furthering difficult causes.

Political posturing was noticeably absent at Newport Cathedral today as politicians from across the political spectrum put their differences to one side for the funeral of the late Paul Flynn, who represented Newport West in parliament from 1987 until his death last month.

South Wales Argus:

Lister Tonge leading the funeral procession

Mr Flynn’s wicker coffin, draped in the Welsh flag, was carried to the front of the cathedral just after 11am, with Karl Jenkin’s ‘Benedictus’ being played aloud.

Officiating was Lister Tonge, dean of the cathedral, with the assistance of Archdeacon Jonathan Williams, both of whom welcomed mourners.

South Wales Argus:

Jeremy Corbyn, Alun Cairns and others gather outside

Among the mourners were First Minister Mark Drakeford, and former Welsh secretaries Paul Murphy, Alun Michael and Peter Hain.

The leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, also attended.

South Wales Argus:

Jeremy Corbyn in conversation

Before the eulogies were delivered, the Newport Philharmonic Choir sang ‘I would be true’ and received a big round of applause.

Jayne Bryant, the AM for Newport West, then gave a powerful eulogy, where she hailed Mr Flynn as an “exceptional parliamentarian”.

“Paul would have been so disappointed to miss out on seeing you all here today,” she said.

“He would have absolutely loved having so many of his friends and family together, in one place.

“We are here in the grounds where the Chartists who were killed in the 1839 uprising are buried.

“The sacrifice and commitment to democracy shown by them, were a constant inspiration to Paul. He saw it as his role to help renew, and rebuild, the idealism and courage of the Chartists in his work. He was incredibly proud to have been received into the Gorsedd of Bards with the name, Paul Y Siartwr (Paul the Chartist). He said, it was the only honour he ever coveted.

“Respected across the political divide, with his wonderful turn of phrase, witty comments and incisive mind. He had a rich, mellifluous voice and the words to match. Undoubtedly, Paul spoke truth to power. He was far ahead of his time on issues which others found too controversial. He was proved right on so many of them. As he said, everyone agreed with him, 20 years after he said it.

“Paul Flynn was a giant of the Labour movement, a tenacious campaigner and an exceptional parliamentarian. Best of all, he was kind, inspiring and so much fun to be around.”

South Wales Argus:

Mourners leaving the cathedral

Jon Owen Jones, former MP for Cardiff Central, also gave warm words, saying: “He always had the courage to speak out.

“He did not follow the fashion or trend.

“And to paraphrase his words: He was ‘no one’s poodle but a dragon with a tongue of fire.’”

There had only been two people scheduled to deliver eulogies - Jayne Bryant AM, for Newport West, and former MP for Cardiff Central Jon Owen Jones - but that did not stop the Labour leader from paying homage.

South Wales Argus:

Jeremy Corbyn outside the cathedral

Mr Corbyn said: “I loved the character of him and the way in which he spoke up for Newport, spoke up for causes that weren’t necessarily terribly popular and the zany sense of interest that he had.

“He was a wonderful guy in so many ways.

“I want to say thank you Paul for what you did for the people of Wales and the Labour Party. He was never besotted by power and was only there to serve the people of his constituency.”

Other political figures in attendance included Newport City Council leader Cllr Debbie Wilcox, Newport East MP Jessica Morden, Blaenau Gwent MP Nick Smith, Jane Hutt AM, Dame Rosemary Butler, Welsh secretary Alun Cairns, Newport East AM John Griffiths, Cllr Charles Ferris, Islwyn AM Rhianon Passmore, AM for South Wales East Mohammad Asghar, Islwyn MP Chris Evans, Torfaen council leader Anthony Hunt, and Pippa Bartolotti, of the Green Party. Also in attendance were Nicole Garnon, the editor of the South Wales Argus, former Argus editor Steve Hoselitz, and former Newport councillor David Hando.

South Wales Argus:

First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford and Jane Hutt going to the cathedral

Hymns included Calon Lân and The Lord’s My Shepherd.

Mourners also heard of how the firebrand socialist passionately spoke in favour of his long-held convictions, including the abolition of nuclear weapons and legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes.

There were many acts of tribute paid to the former politician, who has undoubtedly left an enormous imprint.

But perhaps the finest act of all was the decision for Mr Flynn’s ashes to be spread in the same spot as his heroes, the Chartists, in the grounds of the cathedral.