Flags in Wirral have been lowered following the death of former MP for Birkenhead, Frank Field. Respected and admired for his work on poverty, the causes of poverty and his stint as 'Minister for Welfare Reform' under Tony Blair, Lord Field of Birkenhead (as he became after the 2019 election) passed away after his long battle with cancer.
A Book of Condolence has been opened at Birkenhead Town Hall (9am-5pm, Monday to Frida) or online for those residents who wish to pay their respects to this remarkable Parliamentarian and campaigner.
Mayor of Wirral, Cllr. Jerry Williams said:
On behalf of Wirral Council, I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Baron Field of Birkenhead on his passing.
Frank served the people of Birkenhead as their MP with distinction for 40 years, as well as holding a number of important roles within Parliament, Government and in opposition.
Though born in London, he took Birkenhead into his heart after his election in 1979. He championed many important campaigns - not just within his constituency but also across the rest of Wirral, Merseyside and nationally – on a range of issues.
Even before he became an MP, Frank was passionate about tackling issues faced by the most disadvantaged people in society and was Director of the Child Poverty Action Group in the 10 years preceding his election as MP.
In 2013 he established an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hunger, which published a major report on the growth in the numbers of people relying on food banks. This in turn led to him setting up ‘Feeding Britain’ as a charitable organisation to help put the group's proposals into action to reduce and prevent hunger.
Wirral has lost a friend and loyal advocate in Frank Field. His impact in Birkenhead and beyond will be felt for many years to come.
The Leader of Wirral's Conservatives, Cllr. Jeff Green, said:
“Frank Field was one of this country’s most successful politicians and one of Wirral’s most respected, across all sides of politics.
“His success was measured not only in his votes, which, at most elections would have been quicker to weigh than count, but in the difference he made to the lives of people who had been lefty behind and forgotten by the system. People found their voice through Frank.
“Wirral has lost a dedicated and committed champion but the causes and organisations to which he dedicated his life will live on, providing a lasting legacy to a remarkable man.”
James Baker, Conservative Candidate for Wallasey at the 2019 General Election, added:
Sorry to hear the news about Frank Field - when I stood in neighbouring Wallasey in 2019 we shared a train journey together where he was beyond kind to me, gave me the time of day and encouragement too. Never partisan, always pleasant. Rest in peace Frank.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
Frank Field was a decent, moral, and thoughtful man. He was a great parliamentarian - he made our politics better and raised the level of national debate in this country. My thoughts and prayers are with his family today.
