Tribute to David Taylor MP

Labour and Co-operative MP David Taylor, aged 63, died in hospital after suffering a heart attack while walking his family on Boxing Day.

David was not just an excellent Labour MP; he was a friend not just to CSM of whom he was a long time member, but to me, and countless others.

At his funeral on 9 January in his home village of Heather in Leicestershire, the local community stood still, to pay their respects to a truly great man. Many senior politicians of all political parties attended the funeral including Harriet Harman MP Deputy Labour Leader, the Speaker of the Commons John Bercow. The service was conducted by his friend and former District Council colleague, Cllr Revd David Jennings.

David leaves his wife Pam, who he was married to for more than 40 years, four daughters, one son and two grand children.

I have very fond memories of David indeed. Only last year we shared a platform at a CSM event in Loughborough where David was a keynote contributor. I remember other occasions where he spoke at CSM events too.

David always came across as a “man of the people", was not afraid to speak up for the disposed and disadvantaged, yet always respected the views of others, who disagreed with him and he was not dogmatic in his approach.

He had a wicked sense of humour and was man of deep conviction both in the politics he passionately believed in of social justice and equality, and of course in his Christian faith.

David was renowned for being an exceptional person, who did not make enemies and won the respect of people from all works of life.

David was a wonderful example for many Christian Socialists to follow.

He will be sorely missed.