POLITICIANS across Allerdale have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth - with MP Mark Jenkinson hailing the late monarch as 'constant as the northern star'.

Workington MP Mark Jenkinson made the emotional tribute in the House of Commons Chamber on Saturday, September 10.

During the tribute Mr Jenkinson said: "To borrow a phrase from Shakespeare, she was 'constant as the northern star'.

"Because she has reigned over us for so long it was easy to fool ourselves that she would be with us forever – that she was somehow exempt from the rules of nature by virtue of her longevity and her personal qualities.

"Now she is gone, we are reminded of just how unique she was, and how irreplaceable.

"My grandfather, who incidentally used to regale me with stories of gathering around the only television in the street to watch the coronation, used to say to me 'you don’t miss the water ‘til the well runs dry', and how right he was.

"Cumbria was one of the Queen’s favourite places, and I know her family will take heart from the fact that her affection for this county was very much reciprocated by its people.

"Queen Elizabeth visited our towns and cities across the years many times over her long and glorious reign – and was always given a right royal Cumbrian welcome by adoring crowds."

Cllr Mark Fryer, leader of the shadow authority for Cumberland Council said: “This is a sad time for the nation. The reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has been a truly remarkable one in both its length and the changes it has seen.

"She has led with dedication and devotion to our nation and the Commonwealth and made frequent visits to Carlisle, Workington, Whitehaven and other parts of the Cumberland area.

"My thoughts are with members of the Royal Household.”

Speaking on behalf of the borough, Mayor of Allerdale, Cllr Allan Daniels, said: "Her late-Majesty has been a truly inspirational figure and one of the most remarkable monarchs this country has ever seen, who has presided over our country during a period of immense change."

And leader of the council, Cllr Mike Johnson, added: “Her late-Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been a truly magnificent figure and exceptional monarch for this country.

"She commanded respect, loyalty and admiration from everyone who worked with her. And on her visits to Allerdale, she always took a keen interest in the people she met."