"I hope that I can say that I have contributed" - David Taylor MP

Originally published @ 5:14 pm, Sun 27th Dec 2009

Labour MP David Taylor has died after suffering a heart attack.

The North West Leicestershire MP was walking with his family on Boxing Day when he was taken ill. A statement on his website said: "David was enjoying a walk with his family at Calke Abbey when he suffered a massive heart attack. He was rushed to Queens Hospital, Burton on Trent, but they were unable to save him."

In his last Parliamentary report, David wrote –

“It has been an immense privilege to serve you, and I have tried to do so to the utmost of my abilities and energy. While much more credit lies with others, I hope that I can say that I have contributed to the dramatic improvement in our area over those years – economically, environmentally and socially - with a growing population benefiting from better public services.”

The Daily Mail reports that -

"As chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health, David Taylor played a prominent role in lobbying ministers to introduce the smoking ban."

"Paying tribute last night, Deborah Arnott, director of the anti-smoking campaign group Ash, said Mr Taylor was 'crucial in getting the smoking ban legislation through parliament'."

Gordon Brown said:

'David was one of the most hard working MPs locally and nationally - a great representative who felt and spoke up for the needs of his constituents.

"David has been a strong campaigner and representative of his community for decades – serving first as a District Councillor and since 1997 as the Labour and Co-Op MP. When I visited his constituency a few weeks ago I found enormous respect and admiration for what he has achieved as a local member of parliament.

“He was voted backbencher of the year in 2007 for his indefatigable campaigning, constant attendance in the Commons and his independence of mind - no greater tribute can be made to David’s lasting legacy as a local champion for North West Leicestershire.

“David's contribution will be sorely missed by his friends, colleagues and constituents.

"Sarah and I are thinking today of his wife, Pamela, their four daughters and their wider family."

Phil Hope MP, Regional Minister for the East Midlands, said:

"I am shocked and saddened at this news and my thoughts are with his family at this time. He was a great campaigner in the East Midlands, a very caring person and a popular local MP who believed deeply in the principles of social justice and co-operation. He will be much missed."