THE WIFE of former Southampton MP Bob Mitchell has led the tributes to her husband, whose death was announced yesterday.

Regarded as one of the city's most popular MPs, Mr Mitchell's political career spanned almost 40 years, during which time he represented both Southampton Test and Itchen constituencies.

At his side throughout his career was his wife Doreen, who was also with him and their two children when he passed away after a long illness on Thursday evening. He was 76.

Speaking from the Southampton home they shared, Mrs Mitchell said her husband would be remembered for his honesty throughout his political career.

"He was a very honourable man and an honest one. He got where he did by being like that. He was the people's politician, wherever we went. If it was to the shops or just in the street, people felt able to say hello and chat with him. That's the sort of man he was.

"He enjoyed his time right from representing the council for 12 years, to becoming an MP and then on to the European parliament, although it was certainly hard work."

Mr Mitchell, who served in the armed forces before becoming a teacher, entered politics after attending his first Labour meeting in 1945.

It was the beginning of 36 years' devoted service to the party in Southampton, which included 12 years as a Coxford councillor in the city, followed by four years as MP for Test from 1966 to 1970 and 12 years as Itchen MP between 1971 and 1983.

It was in October 1981 that he made the controversial decision to leave the party and join the SDP,

calling it the most difficult decision of his life.

He continued representing the city until the 1983 election, when he was defeated by Conservative candidate Chris Chope, and later went on to become a European Member of Parliament for four years.

Leader of Southampton City Council Adrian Vinson also paid tribute to Mr Mitchell. He said: "I was saddened to learn of Bob's death. He was dedicated to our city and the people of Southampton whom he served with distinction both on the City Council and in Parliament."

When he left the political scene, the former deputy head teacher returned to his roots and took up a post at Itchen College, where he lectured in business before becoming a governor - a post he only gave up at the start of the year due to ill heath.

Principal of the college Barry Hicks said: "He was central to the governing body of the college, always chatty, always amusing, always insightful, he was a

delightful guy.

"He was always asking what the students would get out of decisions we were making or how staff would be helped by them. He always brought a new angle to things and had the ability to ask questions no one else had even thought of."

A keen chess player who won many trophies, Mr Mitchell, whose real name was Richard, was still enjoying playing the game until recently. His other love was Southampton Football Club, whom he had supported since the age of seven, having moved to the city aged two.

Mr Mitchell also leaves two grandchildren.

The funeral service will take place on September 30 at 3pm at East Chapel, Southampton.

It will be followed by a gathering for friends and family at the Hilton Hotel.