David Taylor, one of the most popular and assiduous Labour MPs, died from a heart attack, aged 63, during the House of Commons Christmas recess. The MP for Leicestershire North West was widely considered by colleagues to be a role model for all backbenchers, in spite of his record of voting against the Government.
Taylor, who was elected in 1997 and had announced his intention to stand down at the next election, was seen to have effectively ruled himself out of ministerial office because of his record of voting in line with his principles, not least against the Iraq war. Yet his assiduous record of attendance, attention to detail and dogged campaigning on issues ranging from the environment and rural affairs to primary health care, particularly for cancer patients, won him the respect and admiration across the political spectrum. A member of the Scoialist Campaign Group of MPs, he once described himself as “a traditional mushy -peas rather than an avocado Labourite”.
Voting in 87 per cent of Commons votes since the last election, he defied the whips on no fewer than 115 occasions. A former accountant, he was listed among the top 10 “best value for money MPs”. Like many, he became embroiled in the expenses scandal but volunteered his “unredacted” claims to his local newspaper and repaid £8,000 for second home expenses.
Denis MacShane, the MP for Rotherham, who counted David Taylor as a friend, said: “David was pure old Labour who loved the fact that new Labour was able to hold power and deliver for his constituents. He was a star of the backbenches with a sardonic wit that livened up debates and question times. He was formidably intelligent, even if his bluff style hid one of the keenest socialist brains in the Commons. He will be sorely missed.”
Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell, the chair of the Campaign Group, also paid tribute. “The news of David’s death has come as a terrible shock to everyone who knew him. David was everything you could ask for in a socialist Member of Parliament. Incredibly hard working, he was a fundamentally decent, principled, wise and dedicated servant of his constituents. He spoke the truth to power with honesty and good humour in a way that won him the respect and affection of all sides of the House of Commons. As a member of the Socialist Campaign Group, he always voted according to his principles and what he considered the best interests of the people he represented.”
In an obituary recalling a visit to David Taylor’s constituency, former MP Tam Dalyell wrote: “Quite simply, he was not only respected but loved – yes, it is possible for a politician to be loved – by local people of many different party allegiances. As he drove me back to London, it was confirmed to me what a serious and thoughtful socialist he was.”
Chris McLaughlin
About The Author
yes he was one of a few labour MP’s, he did not belong to the two groups which are now infesting labour.
he will be missed by those who are labour, but i suspect Browns and the Blairs of this world will see his passing as good.
I do not! we need more MP’s like this who come into Politics not for the money or to get a job somewhere else.