The former Labour health secretary, Frank Dobson has died aged 79.
The highly respected politician was first elected as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras in 1979 and became health secretary following the party's historic victory in 1997.
Dobson, was well known for his famed beard and even refused to shave it off when running for the mayor of London in 2000.
Many of his former colleagues from Labour have paid tribute to Dobson, who stepped down as an MP in 2015.
In the wake of his death one particular element of his character has stood out and that was his unflappable ability to hold his own in interviews.
A resurfaced interview with Dobson sees the MP being questioned by then Newsnight host Jeremy Paxman, a man well-known for grilling politicians.
When being questioned about the GMC's merit payments scandal, Dobson calmly answers questions, which would have probably had most MPs quaking in their boots.
This is one of the best interviews I've ever seen by a cabinet minister. Frank Dobson just gives straight answers o… https://t.co/ABES3mF5vB— Peter Barnes (@Peter Barnes) 1573566159
These days we have become too accustomed to politicians reciting the same old catchphrases and often avoiding questions at all costs.
Yet this interview with Dobson has struck a chord on Twitter and has already been viewed more than 28,000 times with many commenting just how refreshing it is to see a politician answer questions in a clear, concise and confident manner.
Makes you think how many more politicians could have disarmed Paxo by simply answering a question with a straight b… https://t.co/pixbJsYe3o— Jane Merrick (@Jane Merrick) 1573568171
@barnespa @josephmdurso @BBCNewsnight Met him on a London bus about 20 years ago, a real gentleman and very down to earth.— D Hamilton 🏴 (@D Hamilton 🏴) 1573566744
@barnespa @John_Ferrett @BBCNewsnight And that's why back in the day you would walk over hot coals to vote for an M… https://t.co/LxyiRhdWT4— Kathleen (@Kathleen) 1573569699
Wow. Imagine getting those kind of answers today... https://t.co/oFLsqnS0rN— Andrew Marr (@Andrew Marr) 1573570526
This is so brilliant. @JeremyPaxman seems a bit flummoxed. Today's politicians would do well to take a leaf out of… https://t.co/EKU8a795ry— Pippa Crerar (@Pippa Crerar) 1573570627