Jack Dromey: Tributes pour in for the Labour MP who has died aged 73

Tributes have poured in for Jack Dromey, the Labour MP for Birmingham Erdington, who died suddenly in his flat on Friday morning.

A statement issued on behalf of the family of Birmingham Erdington MP Jack Dromey said: “Jack Dromey MP died suddenly this morning aged 73 in his flat in Erdington.

“He had been a dedicated Member of Parliament for Birmingham Erdington since 2010.

“He was a much loved husband, father and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed.”

Jack Dromey, pictured in 2002
Johnny Green

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Jack Dromey as an MP who “lived his commitment to social justice every day”.

Sir Keir said: “The proud son of Irish parents, Jack Dromey dedicated his life to standing up for working people through the Labour movement, becoming deputy general secretary of the UK’s largest trade union and then a Labour MP. “From supporting the strike at the Grunwick film processing laboratory, when he met Harriet, through to being elected to represent Birmingham Erdington in 2010, Jack lived his commitment to social justice every day. “Jack was recognised for his determination to stand up for his constituents and he was highly respected and warmly regarded across Parliament.

“My thoughts and those of the whole Labour movement are with Harriet, their children and all those who knew and loved Jack.”

Boris Johnson has said he is “deeply saddened” by the death of Labour MP Jack Dromey.

The Prime Minister wrote in a tweet: “Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Jack Dromey MP.

“My thoughts are with Harriet and the family, and all those who knew him as a friend. May he rest in peace.”

Jack Dromey
London Portrait Photoqrapher-DAV

Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair has remembered Labour MP Jack Dromey as “hugely likeable” and a “complete stalwart of the Labour and trade union movement”.

The former Labour leader said: “I am absolutely shocked and greatly saddened by the news about Jack. I have known him for almost 40 years.

“He was a complete stalwart of the Labour and trade union movement, who dedicated his life to the service of others whether in his work for his trade union or in later years as a Member of Parliament.

“He was also hugely likeable, a very popular colleague and well respected by all who worked with him. Cherie joins me in sending profound condolences to Harriet and all the family.”

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said MPs are in “disbelief that the life-force that was Jack Dromey has died”.

In a statement, Sir Lindsay 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.

“I have known Jack since the mid-1980s when we fought to save the Royal Ordnance Factory in Chorley, he was national officer for the Transport and General Workers’ Union, and I was chair of economic development at Chorley Council.

“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, so all our thoughts go to Harriet and the rest of the family at this very sad time.”

Sadiq Khan has paid tribute to his “dear friend” Jack Dromey, describing the Labour MP as a “kind, energetic and deeply-committed public servant”.

The Mayor of London wrote in a tweet: “I am so sad to hear about the death of my dear friend and colleague Jack Dromey. His passion for fighting discrimination was second to none.

“He was a kind, energetic and deeply-committed public servant and a lovely man. Sending my love to Harriet and all the family.”