Tears for Chavez from the usual suspects this morning. A few historical inconveniences that seem to have slipped their minds: Venezuelan hyper-inflation resulted in widespread food shortages; over the decade of Chavez’s rule inflation was over 1,800%. A friend of Castro, Ahamadinejad and Ken Livingstone, according to Freedom House he oversaw a decline in human rights after political arrests and pressurising voters. He supplied the socialist Syrian Assad dictatorship with the diesel that fuels the war machine that is slaughtering the Syrian people. And yet:

Owen Jones: “Really upset to hear of Chavez’s death. Ignore his ignorant critics. A democratically elected fighter for the poor.”

Ken Livingstone: “Hugo Chavez showed there is an alternative to neo-liberalism and colonialism in Venezuela and worldwide. He was a friend & comrade.”

Diane Abbott: “Hugo Chavez has died. Commiserations to his family & the people of Venezuela. Tragedy for Latin America & Caribbean.”

Len McCluskey: “The executive of Unite, the biggest union in Britain and Ireland, wishes to express their deep sadness on behalf of its 1.5 million members at the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Our sincere condolences go to his family and the people of Venezuela.”

Kevin Maguire: “RIP Hugo Chavez if reports accurate. One of a wave of Lefties who improved lives of South Americans.”

George Galloway: “Farewell Comandante Hugo Chavez champion of the poor the oppressed everywhere. Modern day Spartacus. Rest in Peace.”

Jeremy Corbyn: “Very sad news at death of Chavez; he will leave a huge legacy of a different power relationship in Latin America.”

Grahame Morris: “RIP President Hugo Chavez. Deepest sympathies & respect for a true champion of the people from Labour Friends.”

Chris Williamson: “Desperately sad news from Venezuela. RIP Hugo Chavez you inspired progressives around the world. Viva Bolivar revolution.”

Ian Lavery: “Hugo Chavez has sadly passed on. A true socialist hero inspiring millions of ordinary people.”

Rest in peace…