Simon Hughes celebrated his birthday last weekend at a special service held in his honour at St James’s Church, Bermondsey.
The service of thanksgiving for Mr Hughes’ contribution as MP was held on Sunday May 17, and was attended by members of St James’s and St Anne’s church. Messages were read out from the Bishop of Southwark and the Dean of Southwark Cathedral.
At the end of the service, the congregation gave Mr Hughes a standing ovation and sang ‘Happy Birthday’. They also presented him with a birthday cake.
The former Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP said: “It was a real privilege to be surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and many others who have made the last 32 years possible, especially as it was on my birthday. I owe a debt of gratitude to those who have supported and voted for me over the years.”
Canon Gary Jenkins, vicar of St James, said: “Simon, you’ve got stuck in big time. You’ve served the Lord in Parliament. You’ve fought for this constituency. You’ve argued for the policies and principles you believe in. And you’ve done it for 32 years. And you have done it as a Christian, in the power of the Holy Spirit. We salute you for it and we thank God for you.”