University honour for Tony Benn

Tony Benn has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Lincoln University for his contribution to the world of politics.

The former Chesterfield MP joined hundreds of graduates for the ceremony in Lincoln Cathedral.

Veteran MP Tony Benn is receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Lincoln, in a ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral. Mr Benn was a Labour MP for 50 years, representing the Chesterfield constituency, and a Cabinet Minister under Harold Wilson and James Callaghan.

He has topped several polls as the most popular politician in Britain and since leaving Parliament, has become involved in the grass-roots politics of demonstrations and meetings.

Mr Benn's campaign to renounce his hereditary peerage was instrumental in the creation of the Peerage Act of 1963. In the Labour Government of 1964 he served first as Postmaster General where he oversaw the opening of the Post Office Tower.