THE political giant that was Tony Benn is no longer.

Whether or not you agreed with his politics is not important.

The one thing the esteemed Mr Benn did was take the fight for the common people right to the heart of government. And he didn't stop his battle right up until he died.

As I said, his political thinking without doubt divided opinion.

But one of the amazing things is that his passing touched BOTH sides of the political spectrum.

Mr Benn was so passionate about his political life that, despite being born into the landed gentry, he gave up his title so he could stand once again as an MP.

And one lesson we can all learn from his was that it's important to make sure you're voice is heard.

I'm not suggesting you all do a “Bez” and stand for parliament.

Although, even though I initially thought I was dreaming when I heard the former Happy Mondays dancer (I'm sure this shouldn't be a real job, even within the bonkers world of celebrity) was standing as an MP in Salford, part of me admires what he's doing.

Yes, he wants to cure all disease — surely someone would have done that by now if it was possible — and start a revolution, but at least he's standing up for what he believes in.

I know it can be easy to become totally apathetic towards politics.

Regular moans of “they're all the same”, “you can't believe anything they say” and “what's the point, nothing ever changes” can no doubt be heard the land over.

But the problem is, if you don't vote, you have ABSOLUTELY no right to moan.

I admit, this is something that has been drilled into me almost as soon as I arrived in the world.

My great, great grandmother and Lavender family legend — which is generally fairly reliable — says that she chained herself to the Houses of Parliament during the fight for votes for women.

So there has never really been a question of whether or not I would exercise my right to put a cross in a box every local, general, European, whatever else else, election.

As soon as I was able to, I've voted.

There was some panic before the 1997 election as I turned 18 in the March two months earlier and my voting slip didn't arrive until two days before the polls opened.

There was a family trip en masse to the local primary school that served as a polling station and there is even a photograph of me, thumbs up, outside before I popped in to vote.

It's easier than ever now, what with the advent of postal vote. You don't even have to make your way to a polling station, you can just stick that bit of paper in the post.

So, whatever you think about the passing of Tony Benn — or Bez's decision to stand for election make sure you honour what they stood for — and vote.