Councillors and residents react to news of Jim Dobbin’s death

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Jim Dobbin MP

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Residents from across the borough as well as councillors for Heywood have been reacting to the shock news that Heywood and Middleton MP Jim Dobbin has died.

Councillor Colin Lambert, who runs Jim's constituency office, described the news as a “shock” and added that Jim “will be greatly missed”. 

Councillor Peter Rush said: “I have heard this sad news today and my thoughts are with Jim’s family. We always worked well together. He was a first class politician who represented Heywood and Middleton well for a number of years. This is a very sad loss.”

Chairman of Heywood Township, Councillor Ray Dutton, said: “We have all been left devastated by this news. He was a marvellous colleague and friend and he will be missed.”

Kathleen Murray, who was out to watch the Heywood Charities Fete parade, said: “He did a lot for Heywood and it is a shock. It is very sad to hear. I imagine he is looking down on the parade today.”

Ken Smith said: “He was a big supporter of Heywood and always showed his support for the Heywood markets. He will definitely be missed. He was the kind of man who you knew where to find – everyone knows where his office is. He will be sadly missed.”

Derek Andrew said: “He served Heywood well. He certainly stepped up and did things for the town. I think he will be missed. It is a shock to hear the news.”

Messages of condolence are also flooding in with one describing Jim as “a very kind hearted man with strong beliefs for what was right.”

Another added: “So sad, he will be missed in Heywood and Middleton.”

It is understood that Jim died suddenly whilst on a Parliamentary trip to Poland. He leaves his wife Pat who he married in 1964 and his two sons and two daughters.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/91184/jim-dobbin-mp-has-died