Labour MP, Gwyneth Dunwoody, chairman of the House of Commons Transport Committee, has died.

She was the longest serving female member of parliament and a supporter of traditional Labour values.

Mrs Dunwoody was responsible for several reports by the Transport Committee’s including its Cars of the Future report published in 2004, which was highly critical of the Department for Transport.

“The Government must not be afraid to legislate.

"The deadline for the 2010 domestic carbon reduction target is fast approaching and we are far off track,” said the report.

“The Department for Transport must set out exactly what action it will take to put the road transport sector back on track.”

Indeed such was the committee’s criticism of the Government’s transport policies that it tried to have Mrs Dunwoody replaced as its chairman.

However, dozens of Labour MPs used a free vote to safeguard her position as the head of one of the most influential parliamentary committees.

“Her vast knowledge and genuine warmth and passion for the transport industry shone through at all times,” said Steve Agg Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

“I know that I will be joining everyone involved in transport policy in paying tribute to her many achievements.”