Obituary: Jim Dobbin MP

Jim Dobbin MP

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

It is understood Jim died suddenly whilst on a Parliamentary trip in Poland. His wife Pat is believed to have been with him.

Jim was born in Kincardine on Forth, in Fife, the son of a coal miner, and educated at Saint Columba’s High School, Cowdenbeath, and Saint Andrew’s High School in Kirkcaldy. He later went to Napier College, Edinburgh where he studied Bacteriology and Virology. He worked as a microbiologist for 33 years, 22 of them at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

In 1983 Jim was elected as a councillor in the Borough of Rochdale, becoming the Labour group leader in 1994, and became the leader of the council in 1996.

First elected as MP for Heywood and Middleton in 1997 having contested, but lost, Bury North in the 1992 General Election.

Jim was a member of the Transport Scrutiny Select Committee as well one of Britain’s representatives on the Council of Europe.

He was involved in a number of All-Party Parliamentary Groups including Involuntary Tranquillizer Addiction, Global Action Against Childhood Pneumonia, and Hospice and Palliative Care.

Jim also chaired the all-party Pro Life Group, and as a Roman Catholic he held a Papal Knighthood from Pope Benedict XVI.

Councillor Colin Lambert, who runs Jim's constituency office, said: "I am saddened and shocked by the news.

"My immediate thoughts are with Jim's wife Pat, his children and grand children - all of whom meant so much to Jim.

"He has been a wonderful public servant, working hard for local people for 17 years as our MP and previously as a local councillor and council leader.

"Jim was often an independent voice in Labour but well respected and will be greatly missed."

Rochdale Council leader, Councillor Richard Farnell knew Jim as a good friend and colleague for 35 years. Jim was Councillor Farnell's deputy in the local Labour party and the council when Councillor Farnell was leader back in the 1990s.

Paying tribute to Jim, Councillor Farnell said: "I am completely shocked by the news. I had lunch with Jim recently and he was on top form, cracking jokes. We had a good catch up and he gave me loads of work to do. He said he was looking forward to working with me again and to fighting the General Election next year.

"Jim was a great ambassador for Labour and an excellent MP for Heywood and Middleton.

"He was also a devoted family man and my heart goes out to his wife Pat, his children and many grand children."

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk said: "This has come as a real shock to me and it's a very sad day.

"I spoke to Jim in Parliament last week and he seemed in good form. There was no indication at all that he was unwell.

"Jim had a great passion for the Labour Party and he was a dedicated public servant. The NHS and tackling poverty at home and abroad were his big passions and he had a long record of work in this area.

"The fact that he died on a parliamentary trip spoke volumes, as he lived for his work.

"My condolences go out to his wife Pat and children. He will be sorely missed."

Jim leaves his wife Pat, who he married in 1964, two sons and two daughters.

Jim's last 'Letter from Parliament': 

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/89171/letter-from-parliament-%E2%80%93-jim-dobbin-mp