Senior Labour figures pay tribute after two former MPs die

3 min read31 October 2017

Jeremy Corbyn and Gordon Brown are among the top Labour figures who today paid tribute to ex-MPs Candy Atherton and Frank Doran after they passed away.

Ms Atherton, the former MP for Falmouth and Camborne, died at the age of 62, according to the BBC.

Meanwhile former Aberdeen North MP Mr Doran, who served from 1997 until he stood down in 2015, has also passed away, his family confirmed to the broadcaster.

Ms Atherton was among the 101 women elected in 1997 dubbed the "Blair Babes" – after taking the seat from the Tories’ Sebastian Coe.

She subsequently lost the seat to the Liberal Democrats in 2005.

Mr Doran chaired the parliamentary administration committee for five years and served as an aide to former trade minister Ian McCartney in Tony Blair's government.

Labour leader Mr Corbyn, deputy leader Tom Watson and Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth were among those offering their condolences to "proud champion of Cornwall" Ms Atherton.

I'm sad to hear of the sudden death of Candy Atherton. Candy was a proud champion of Cornwall. https://t.co/UDBr6jZZxQ pic.twitter.com/VR65mG5iWy

— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) October 31, 2017

Very sad to read that Candy Atherton has died. She was very kind to me when I was first elected. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones. https://t.co/a4X3sHDEsa
— Tom Watson (@tom_watson) October 31, 2017

So sorry to learn Candy Atherton has passed away. She was a great Labour fighter for Cornwall doing so much as an MP & campaigner. RIP Candy
— Jonathan Ashworth (@JonAshworth) October 31, 2017

Former Prime Minister Mr Brown meanwhile led tributes to his "great friend" Mr Doran.

Ex-deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman, former Shadow Cabinet minister Douglas Alexander and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon were also among those offering their condolences.

So sad to hear of Frank Doran's passing. Great friend, great trade unionist and a great colleague. My thoughts are with Joan and family - GB
— Gordon & Sarah Brown (@OfficeGSBrown) October 31, 2017

RIP Frank Doran. His life - trade unionist, lawyer & MP lived 4 progressive causes. Beloved husband of @joan_dame https://t.co/XnXbvw8on2:
— Harriet Harman (@HarrietHarman) October 31, 2017

Frank Doran was the kind of MP who gives politics a good name: wise, decent & dedicated to others. Condolences to @joan_dame
— Douglas Alexander (@D_G_Alexander) October 31, 2017

Sorry to hear this. I didn’t know Frank well personally but I know many who did and liked him. My condolences to his family. https://t.co/XMo2xO3D5t
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) October 31, 2017

North East MSP Lewis McDonald said Mr Doran’s death marked the loss of a “strong voice for working people”.

“On behalf of the Scottish Labour family I would like to pay tribute to Frank, who served the city of Aberdeen with distinction as a Member of Parliament,” he said.

“His work to support the families of the Piper Alpha tragedy was so important for so many, as was his tireless campaigning for safety in the oil and gas industry during his time as an MP.

“Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones at this time. The Labour family in the North East has lost a strong voice for working people.”

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