Witham MP Priti Patel has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela

Ms Patel, who is the UK Indian Diaspora Champion, said: “Nelson Mandela was the last of the truly great 20th century figures, a global icon who transcended race barriers, who had a unique ability to forgive, unify and embrace his former opponents and became an inspiration for a generation.

"He worked tirelessly for the good of his country, and his legacy is the peaceful South Africa we see today.

"He inspired love as much as respect, and became regarded by hundreds of millions of people as a political giant who helped bring humanity closer together.

"I send my condolences to the family members of the late President Mandela and to the people of South Africa.”