http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19775766

Cross-party tributes for former energy minister Wicks

Politicians from all sides have paid tribute to former energy minister
Malcolm Wicks, who died on Saturday after suffering from cancer.

Labour had "lost one of its sharpest thinkers", leader Ed Miliband
said. Conservative Communities Secretary Eric Pickles called the
Croydon North MP "a man of great wit and humanity".

Former prime minister Tony Blair hailed Mr Wicks' "complete
integrity".

Mr Wicks, who was 65, had served the north of Croydon as an MP since
1992.

He held a variety of ministerial briefs under Tony Blair and his
successor Gordon Brown including pensions, science and energy.

Mr Miliband said: "He was a brilliant energy minister, he was a deep
thinker about welfare and pensions, and Labour to his core.

"Malcolm was also a dedicated constituency MP, always putting the
needs of his Croydon constituents first. He was a brilliant
campaigner.

"I have lost a wise confidant and most importantly a dear friend and
the Labour Party has lost one of its sharpest thinkers. Our thoughts
go to Malcolm's wife, Margaret, and his family."
'Great thinker'

As minister of state for pensions between 2003 and 2005, Mr Wicks
helped in changing policy to stop age discrimination in the workplace.

He also campaigned for allowances for a lower pension age for those
from poorer backgrounds - stating that statistically they worked from
an earlier age and had a lower life expectancy.

He served as energy minister from 2005 to 2006 and was reappointed
under Gordon Brown's reshuffle in 2007.
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Malcolm's knowledge and passion on energy issues commanded huge
respect, and we are all the poorer for his passing.”

Ed Davey Energy Secretary

During this time he campaigned for lower costs for energy pre-pay
customers, who he said paid "disproportionate" and "unjust" costs.

He also pledged his commitment to make the UK one of the most
attractive places to invest in green energy.

The married father and grandfather stepped down from government in
2008 and spent two years as Gordon Brown's special representative on
international issues.

Mr Brown called Mr Wicks "a great thinker, writer, campaigner and
parliamentarian".

"I talked to him during his long period of ill-health and I marvelled
at his courage and tenacity in fighting his illness," said the former
prime minister.

Mr Blair said: "He had a very basic principle that guided his life: to
do what he could for others, to serve, to be committed and to work
hard for causes that were always about helping those who needed it
most.

"He had complete integrity in all he did and, both as an MP for
Croydon and a minister, was immensely popular across the political
divide."

Liberal Democrat Energy Secretary Ed Davey said: "Malcolm's knowledge
and passion on energy issues commanded huge respect, and we are all
the poorer for his passing."
Parliamentary 'saint'

Author of a number of publications, including one of the first studies
of hypothermia, Mr Wicks is one of a handful of MPs whose Private
Member's Bill has made the statute books.
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Malcolm Wicks was the most honourable, dedicated and genuine MP in
the House of Commons”

Frank Field Labour MP

The Carers (Recognition and Services Act) 1995 recognised the needs of
family carers for the first time.

He was vocal in questioning the lack of police on the ground in
Croydon during the 2011 riots and highlighted the slow pace at which
compensation was being awarded to those affected in his constituency.

In the midst of the expenses scandal, Mr Wicks was described as one of
the parliamentary "saints" by the Daily Telegraph for his refusal to
exploit the system.

The leader of Tory-led Croydon Council, Mike Fisher, said Mr Wicks
would be a "hard act to follow."

"Malcolm Wicks was a dedicated constituency MP, a champion of Croydon
and a thoroughly decent man who was always considered in his opinions
and polite in delivering them.

"He worked with councils of both political persuasions in the interest
of the town and was a pragmatic and responsible politician."

Gavin Barwell, Conservative MP for neighbouring Croydon Central,
called his colleague "a great MP for Croydon North and good friend".
He said: "Drive home from SW1 won't be the same without him".

Mr Wicks became an MP for Croydon North West in 1992, and has
represented Croydon North since 1997. There will be a by-election in
this seat, which he retained at the 2010 general election with an
increased majority of 16,483.

Before becoming an MP, Mr Wicks worked in the urban deprivation unit
of the Home Office, as a lecturer and was director of the Family
Policy Studies Centre.