Tributes have poured in from all corners of the political and entertainment sectors following the death of "formidable" and "friendly" Glenda Jackson.

The double Oscar-winning actress and long serving former Labour minister and MP for Hampstead and Kilburn died on June 15, aged 87.

As well as entertaining millions on screen and stage she represented her constituents for 23 years following her election in 1992.

The daughter of a bricklayer, Glenda left school at the age of 16 after she failed her school certificate.

While she was working at her local Boots store, she tipped her toe into acting by joining a friend at the YMCA amateur dramatics society.

She later won a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada).

After graduating, she began working in repertory theatres as an actress and stage manager.

Ham & High: Glenda Jackson MP speaking during a debate on Syria in the House of CommonsGlenda Jackson MP speaking during a debate on Syria in the House of Commons (Image: PA)

She later swapped her dazzling acting career to move into the world of politics and in 1992 she was elected as the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate.

In 2010 she pulled off a shock victory in Hampstead and Kilburn – with a majority of just 42 votes.

She served as a junior transport minister from 1997 to 1999 during Sir Tony Blair’s government and went on to become a critic of the former prime minister, opposing the Iraq War.

One of the most noted moments in her political career came in 2013 when she gave a scathing speech criticising Margaret Thatcher during a Commons debate which had been called to pay tribute to the former prime minister after she died.

In an interview with The Big Issue last year, Jackson said: “What persuaded me to give up acting and go into politics was Margaret Thatcher.

“That was the extremity of everything I thought was the worst way for the country to go forward.

“I was very fortunate to be re-elected five times and to occasionally be able to really help the people in my constituency."

Social media tributes to Jackson poured in after the announcement.

Tulip Siddiq MP, who replaced her, said: "Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died.

"A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda."

Highgate councillor and London Assembly member Sian Berry said it was "very sad news".

"I stood as Green candidate for MP against Glenda Jackson in 2005. 

"I was only 30 and still nervous of public speaking (not helped by being on stage next to Oscars!) but she was very friendly and supportive backstage in all the hustings and at the count. RIP".

Labour leader Keir Starmer said: "She leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled.

"She played many roles, with great distinction, passion and commitment. From award winning actor to campaigner and activist to Labour MP and government minister, Glenda Jackson was always fighting for human rights and social justice.

"As a fellow north London MP, I know how much she was loved and respected by her constituents.

"Of course no tribute to Glenda could fail to mention her role as Cleopatra in that most famous and loved of all the Morecambe and Wise sketches. 

"We will never see talent like what she has got again."

She was one of the few actresses who have won the Triple Crown of Acting, which is the highest awards for film, television and theatre.

As well as numerous award nominations for her work, she received two Academy Awards for Women in Love and Touch of Class, two Primetime Emmy Awards for Elizabeth R (1971) and Elizabeth is missing (2020), and a Tony Award for the Broadway revival of Edward Albee's Three Tall Women in 2018.

Comedian David Baddiel said: "I know she achieved extraordinary heights in many fields, but the thing I will always love Glenda Jackson for is unironically saying in a radio interview that she felt the height of her acting career was performing with Morecambe And Wise."