ACTOR Sir Ian McKellen joined Tony and Cherie Blair, Neil Kinnock, Ed Miliband and other Labour figures at the funeral of the partner of peer Lord Cashman.

Former actor and party activist Paul Cottingham died aged 50 from cancer.

Soap stars Michelle Collins and Charlie Condou and TV presenter Paul O'Grady also paid their respects in London yesterday.

Lord Cashman, a former Eastenders star, said Mr Cottingham had shown courage in fighting for gay rights years before it was fashionable.