Erdington Labour MP Jack Dromey dies aged 73

Labour MP for Erdington Jack Dromey, died suddenly on Friday morning aged 73 years old. 

Dromey, born in Kilburn, is survived by his wife, fellow Labour MP Harriet Harman who he married in 1982, and his three children.

The shadow minister for immigration previously held shadow cabinet positions for housing and policing. Before being an MP, Dromey was a trade unionist for Transport and General Workers’ Union, which later became Unite.

Tributes were paid from across Mr Dromey’s personal and professional life, with his son Joe leading the tributes, saying on Twitter: “We loved him so, so much. Rest in peace big man.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “deeply saddened” by the news. Tony Blair said Mr Dromey was a “stalwart of the Labour and trade union movement”, whilst Gordon Brown said he had lost “a friend, colleague and great humanitarian who never stopped fighting for social justice”.

As the flags of Parliament were lowered to half-mast, Labour leader, Keir Starmer, said: “Jack was recognised for his determination to stand up for his constituents and he was highly respected and warmly regarded across parliament.”

On Thursday, Dromey contributed to a Westminster Hall debate on the resettlement scheme for Afghan citizens. 

He said: “Our country has a proud history of providing a safe haven to those fleeing persecution.

“Any watering down of the resettlement scheme would be contrary to our most fundamental values of decency, honesty and fairness.”

The Trades Union Congress regional secretary, Lee Barron said: “Since being elected to Erdington in 2010 Jack’s contribution to Birmingham has been second to none. 

“Constantly pushing us all to be ambitious for the city, passionate in his support for Erdington and the communities of our city, Jack truly was a force of nature. Jack instinctively understood the dignity of labour. 

“He understood that good work was a route out of poverty and understood that working people needed to stand together in trade unions to secure advancement.”

Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said: “We are all in disbelief that the life force that was Jack Dromey has died. This is another sad day for the house and a bad start to the year. He was a great guy, down to earth, always positive and always looking to support and save jobs. 

“At his heart, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.”

A byelection will be held in the Erdington seat, which Labour has held since it was established in 1974.