Jim Dobbin MP: faithful servant - politician of great integrity

Jim Dobbin MP, who dedicated his life to his constituents and advocacy on behalf of the weak and vulnerable, sadly died last Saturday at the age of 73 on a parliamentary visit to Poland.

Jim was one of the most prominent advocates for pro-life causes and marriage, co-chairing the All-Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group. His co-chair, MP Fiona Bruce, described him as "a dedicated fighter for the lives of the unborn and the sanctity of all life."

Tributes from across the political spectrum flowed in following news of his death.

"Jim Dobbin was a man dedicated to the well-being of the family and we thank God for his life of service. He was a politician of great conviction from which came his great courage in the public sphere. He was a gentle man, hugely respected across the political sphere. We have lost a parliamentary hero" says Andrea Williams of Christian Concern. 

"His voting record is brave. He never missed an important vote and voted to protect life and family often against the party whip. He was also one of only 14 Labour MPs to vote against the Same-Sex Marriage Bill last year." 

Among many tributes were the remarks of the Commons Speaker, John Bercow, and Jim's fellow Labour MP, Ivan Lewis, who both spoke of his integrity, sincerity, independence of mind and deelply-held principles.

Rev Dr Clifford Hill, former Convenor of the Lords and Commons Family and Child Protection Group, which was chaired by Mr Dobbin, said: "In Parliament Jim was constantly supporting everything relating to the health and well-being of family life in Britain. He was a strong advocate of pro-life issues and he opposed any measures that undermined marriage."

Ed Miliband said Jim's "strong faith informed every aspect of his political and public life, and that his death was a "sad day for Parliament".