Ed Miliband today paid tribute to Labour backbencher Jim Dobbin, who has died aged 73.
The Heywood and Middleton MP is believed to have been on a trip to Poland with a parliamentary committee.
Dobbin was a microbiologist for three decades before securing the seat in 1997, and had a 6,000 majority in 2010.
The Labour leader said: “Jim’s death is a sad day for parliament. He was a dedicated public servant, representing the people of Rochdale on the council and at Westminster for three decades. Working in the NHS for more than 30 years, Jim had a deep passion for helping others.
“A lifelong committed Catholic, Jim always took a lead in fostering links between the Church and the Labour Party, and his strong faith informed every aspect of his political and public life. This was recognised by Pope Benedict XVI when he made Jim a Papal knight.
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“I will miss Jim’s good friendship and decency. On behalf of the Labour Party, I offer our sincere condolences to his wife, Pat, and their children. We will all miss him.”
Dobbin had also served as leader of Rochdale council from 1996 to 1997, and had been Labour group leader for three years before his election to Parliament.
Chris Bryant, the MP for Rhondda, described Dobbin as a “gentlemanly campaigner for social justice”, while the Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy wrote on Twitter: “Knocked sideways by sad news of Jim Dobbin’s death. A very kind man, always willing to help explain the mysteries of the Commons!”
Lord Prescott, the former deputy prime minister, said: “Jim was an excellent local MP, a strong believer in Europe, a proud Scot and a passionate defender of the NHS. His passing is such a tragic loss and he will be sadly missed by the Labour movement. Jim was a great comrade.”
Dobbin leaves behind a widow, Pat, two sons and two daughters.