Labour MP Paul Goggins, who had ministerial responsibility for the voluntary sector from 2005 to 2006, has died at age 61.

Goggins had a wide-ranging career in the voluntary and care sector before entering politics. He had worked as a childcare worker in Liverpool during the 70s, and was also in charge of Wigan Children’s Home during this period.

He was appointed as project director for the NCH (now Action for Children) in 1984, and became Church Action on Poverty’s second national coordinator in 1989, where he remained until his election to Westminster.

Niall Cooper, Paul’s successor and current director of Church Action on Poverty, said: “Paul was a man of great personal warmth and deep conviction. His personal commitment to social justice and to championing the cause of people suffering from poverty and injustice both at home and abroad shone through in everything he did. Paul will be missed hugely by all those who knew him personally or who were touched by his work.

“Our deepest sympathies and prayers in particular are with Wyn and the family on their tragic loss.”

Goggins also co-founded the All Party Parliamentary Friends of Cafod group and was a board member at the charity from 1998 to 2003.

Commenting on his passing, Bishop John Arnold said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul Goggins and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. His was a passionate commitment to justice which knew no bounds. His support for Cafod's mission was exceptional and the energy, intelligence and sympathy he brought when he was working alongside the poorest communities was truly remarkable.

"Every day of his career, Paul was driven to help the most disadvantaged in society, and ensure that poverty was tackled wherever it existed. His commitment to helping others, anchored in his strong Catholic faith, served as an inspiration to us all during his lifetime, and that inspiration will live on in the years to come.”

Goggins had been MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East since May 1997.