Jim Dobbin, Labour MP for Heywood and Middleton, dies aged 73

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/sep/07/jim-dobbin-labour-mp-heywood-middleton-dies

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Ed Miliband has paid tribute to the Labour backbencher Jim Dobbin, who has died aged 73.

The MP for Heywood and Middleton was on a Council of Europe trip to Poland when he died. His wife is believed to have been with him.

Dobbin was a microbiologist for three decades before securing the seat in 1997, and had a 6,000 majority in 2010.

The Labour leader said: "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 former deputy prime minister Lord Prescott, who was part of the group visiting Poland, said: "Jim was an excellent local MP, a strong believer in Europe, a proud Scot and a passionate defender of the NHS. His passing is such a tragic loss and he will be sadly missed by the Labour movement. Jim was a great comrade."

The Commons Speaker, John Bercow, said: 'It was with great sadness that I heard of Jim Dobbin's death. He was a deeply principled and independent-minded parliamentarian, respected and well-liked by his colleagues. He will be greatly missed."