AN MP who served Swindon for 15 years has died.

Labour politician Francis Noel-Baker, 89, who was the MP for Swindon between 1955 and 1970, died on Friday evening in Greece where he had spent his later years.

Francis was also a father of five and grandfather of eight, however his second wife Barbara died in 2004.

His youngest child Allan Noel-Baker, 47, yesterday paid tribute to his father as a man ahead of him time.

“He was a very passionate and committed man and passionate about what he believed in,” said Allan, who lives in Buckinghamshire. “He was very much a committed public servant.

“He died quietly in Greece after a life of distinguished public service and I think some of the elderly readers will remember him.”

Francis served in the Second World War in the Special Operations Executive in the Middle East.

“I’m sure it did affect him, he was very keen on foreign policy,” said Allan.

Born in London, Francis was part of a political dynasty - both his father and grandfather served as MPs before him.

His father even won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Francis served as Member of Parliament for Brentford and Chiswick after standing at the 1945 elections, the first held after the war. At the time he was the youngest Labour member to be elected.

After losing his seat at the 1951 General Election, he won the Swindon seat in 1955 and remained there until 1970.

Allan said his father was always interested in disarmament in particular and had played an instrumental role in solving the problems in Cyprus in the 1950s.

It was also Francis’ private members’ bill in Parliament in 1967 that brought an end to cigarette advertising on television.

Following his retirement from politics, Francis became interested in ecology particularly wind and solar power.

He also founded Ecovast, the European Council for the Village and Small Town, which furthers the well-being of rural communities.

“He was a man ahead of his time particularly in conservation and the environment,” said Allan.

Details of a memorial service for Francis will be released at a later date.