Jim Dobbin, MP for Heywood and Middleton, has died

Jim Dobbin the Labour MP for Heywood and Middleton has died aged 73.

Formerly a microbiologist, Mr Dobbin has been an MP for his Greater Manchester constituency since 1997. As part of a parliamentary committee, Mr Dobbin on a trip to Poland when he died.

Ed Miliband has paid tribute to Mr Dobbin and offered his condolences to his family:

“Jim’s death is a sad day for parliament.  He was a dedicated public servant, representing the people of Rochdale on the council and at Westminster for three decades.  Working in the NHS for more than 30 years, Jim had a deep passion for helping others.
 
“A lifelong committed Catholic, Jim always took a lead in fostering links between the Church and the Labour Party, and his strong faith informed every aspect of his political and public life.  This was recognised by Pope Benedict XVI when he made Jim a Papal knight.

“I will miss Jim’s good friendship and decency. On behalf of the Labour Party, I offer our sincere condolences to his wife, Pat and, their children.  We will all miss him.”

The thoughts of everyone at LabourList are with Jim Dobbin’s family and friends at this sad time.