Keighley’s MP has paid tribute to former South African president Nelson Mandela, who died last night.

Kris Hopkins said the images of Mr Mandela walking free from prison 23 years ago were “unquestionably the most iconic of our time”.

Tributes have flooded in from across the world following the death – aged 95 – of Mr Mandela, South Africa’s first black president and an anti-apartheid icon.

Mr Hopkins added: “Rather than seek to settle old scores, he dedicated himself to the immense challenge of bringing a nation of divided peoples together.

“His example of leadership, statesmanship, compassion, humanity, bravery and forgiveness has become the model which political leaders across the world have sought to follow, but no one else will surely ever achieve.

“Nelson Mandela was unique and his legacy will live with us forever.”