Tributes paid to Heywood and Middleton MP Jim Dobbin by Rochdale Borough Council

Councillor Richard Farnell, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Jim Dobbin MP has been an extremely good friend and colleague of mine for 35 years and I am absolutely devastated
about the news about his death.

“You could not wish to meet nicer man, people called him ‘Gentleman Jim’ and it was all true. He was
compassionate, caring and an excellent constituency MP. Just a few days ago I met him for lunch and he was in good spirits, looking forward to fighting the next General Election. I came away with a long list of things he wanted me to work on as leader of the council to help the borough. Middleton and Heywood has lost an excellent Member of Parliament, he always worked tirelessly and rarely
had a day off.

“Most of all my heart goes out to his wife Pat, his children and grandchildren as, above all else, Jim
Dobbin was a dedicated family man.”

Linda Fisher, acting chief executive of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I am very sorry and deeply saddened by the news of Jim Dobbin MP’s death. My condolences go to his family.

Jim Dobbin has always been a man of integrity and has always been very supportive of the borough. He has worked tirelessly as an MP for Heywood and Middleton.

“As a mark of respect, flags will be lowered across Rochdale Borough and books of condolences will be placed at Heywood, Middleton, Number One Riverside and Littleborough libraries for those that wish to pay their respects.”