Former EU Commission president Jacques Delors has died aged 98. His daughter Martine Aubry confirmed the staunch Remainer died in his sleep at his house in Paris on Wednesday, December 27.

He famously had common rows with Margaret Thatcher because of their opposing political opinions on Europe's future.

French President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to Delors, stating: "Statesman of French destiny. Inexhaustible craftsman of our Europe. Fighter for human justice. Jacques Delors was all of that.

"His dedication, his beliefs and his righteousness will at all times encourage us. I salute his work and his reminiscence and share the ache of his family members."

Delors died in his sleep at house in Paris on Wednesday, in keeping with Agence France Presse citing his daughter Martine Aubry.