Tributes pour in

Tributes to the late David Taylor have been pouring in to his Constituency.Office.  Here is a selection of what people had to say about him:

David's staff are all devasted - he was so much more than just an employer, a lot of tears have been shed since we got the sad news.  We know just what an enormous workload he undertook and the anti-social hours he put in.  Although he was standing down he certainly wasn't winding down and didn't want to say no to anyone - there was always another problem to solve, a campaign to fight or an event to attend.  North West leicestershire is a poorer place for his passing. Phil Ellis

Just to give from your Melton colleagues - our condolences on the sad passing of David Taylor MP.  A good friend of the Labour Party in Leicestershire and a staunch campaigner for North West Leicestershire in particular.  In sadness. Matthew O'Callaghan

What shocking news about David. We were in Calke Park on Boxing Day, it was such a beautiful day. My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family. Kathy Belfield

Would you please pass on my sincere condolences to Pam and her family . I am really saddened by David's death. He was a lovely man and over the past 12 years he proved himself to be a selfless and committed human being. The fact that he was due to retire makes his sudden death even more poignant as I am sure he as looking forward to having some more time both for himself and his family. Anne McGuire

I just wanted to say that I'm sorry to hear the news.  I'm not a Labour Supporter or live in North West Leicestershire, but he is the only MP, I have ever had a conversation with.  This happened on the Friday after election night in 1997, when David, was in the Plough Inn, Ravenstone, and he knew my Father and came over for a chat, my Father introduced me (he had always been a keen Labour Supporter) and we had a mini debate about politics, as I'm from the Tory heartland of Hertford.  If I had still been living in Ravenstone, I would have voted for him. A man of the people. My condolences. Jerry Silver

 The family of Mrs.Hilda Parkhurst, Hugglescote, would like to say how shocked and grieved we were to hear the bad news. We all respected David for his kindness, dedication and hard work; he did a lot for the community, and went among his constituents as a neighbour and friend.  He will be sadly missed. Please give our sincere condolences to his wife and family.
 

 As members of Mr Taylor's Constituency we are deeply saddened by the news of his death. North West Leicestershire has been privileged to be represented by such a hard working and loyal MP. His interest in the constituency was exemplary - as indeed was his attendance at Westminster. It is hard to imagine how we could have been represented better. We are all the poorer at his passing. Rod and Chris Stacey

May we take this opportunity to publicly express our sadness at hearing the news of the unexpected and sudden death of David Taylor MP. My wife and I have known David for a number of years and have worked with him on several projects. David has been over his time in office an extremely hard working MP and will be a great loss to the people North West Leicestershire. Whenever we met David at functions in and around the district his demeanour was always warm and welcoming and he always had time for a chat Death of a loved one is a dark time for families but seems much more poignant around Christmas. Our thoughts and condolences go out to David's wife and family at this sad time. Rob and Joy Polland
  

I'm very sorry to here about the death of Mr David Taylor
My family and I were were shown around the Houses of Parliment personaly in 2009 by Mr Taylor while my daughter was taking politics at Ashby school It is an experience we will never forget. He even arranged for us to sit in the public gallery for MP's question time. Colin Portwain

I would like to pay tribute to David. Whilst trying to get traffic calming measures in Blackfordby, David came to our home and walked with my son and I to school to see for himself how dangerous the road was - this was the kind of man he was. David took his position as our MP so very seriously and was a lovely, kind man. Our paths crossed on many occaisions as he compared Male Voice Choir Concerts at Whitwick where his musical knowledge was outstanding; and at the Albert Village Primary School Centenary Celebrations where he showed his excellant ability to talk to people of all ages. I was amazed to find out as we stood chatting one day that David worked under my Grandfather (Leonard Morling) as an Accountant at County Hall - what a small world we live in. I am sure David will be greaty missed, but hope that his family will take some comfort in knowing what a wonderful and positive impression he has left on the Community in which he chose to serve. Karen Sampson

Just wanted to join the many voices in saying how very sorry I was to hear of David's death - it must be a tremendous shock to you all (in the constituency office) as well as to his family.  David will be sorely missed - he was an excellent local MP - and though I am not political (at all!) I admired the way he conducted himself and his position tremendously.You will all be in our thoughts and prayers. Rev Jill Willett

David was the finest member of parliament we have ever had to represent Measham. Any constituency would have been fortunate to have had him to represent them - but thank God - he was ours.Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time Joyce and Derek Samson

I would just like to give my condolences to the family. I know David was a devout Christian, and it is for this reason that I am sending this message. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. David is with Christ Jesus now. Love in Jesus' name. John O'Rourke

I was so saddened to hear of the death of David. I worked with him in the Treasurers Department at County Hall for quite some time. I have not seen him personally for a number of years but would like to send my condolences to his wife Pam and the rest of his family. Sue Thorpe

 Heartfelt condolences to the family of David Taylor’s Family! We have only just heard the news of the premature death of David who to us was the most dedicated and respected local MP we can remember and who’s tireless efforts have impacted many people like ourselves who live in North West Leicestershire. He was a true hero of local politics and gave more than was expected especially when it came to charitable events and taking local issues to National Government. I can remember at least two issues I raised with David who not only took my comments to the Commons but sent me copies of the draft reports from the discussions in the Commons. What is also so sad is that he was retiring soon and couldn’t even enjoy a few remaining years with his family who must have suffered from his absence over the years. I just find it difficult to believe this terrible event has happened and yet what a “shooting star” he was.With love and greatest sympathy to all those close to this wonderful man. Michael Cashmore and Family

It was truly an honour to be involved in the campaigns of such a sincere and talented man.  Although now many miles away I have never forgotten this great man, who always put the needs of others before his own. I spent a decade working for the Labour Party as a volunteer, and by far the most rewarding was the time working for David.My thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace David, politics and the Labour Party will miss you. Steve Murphy

It is with great shock and sadness that I learned of the untimely passing of David. He was, without doubt, one of, if not the best constituency MP in the House of Commons. He worked tirelessly for the benefit of the constituents of North West Leicestershire and I am proud to have had him as my MP. No matter how busy he was and sometimes he had an incredible workload, he never once failed to reply to my concerns or comments and progress them, as necessary, through the appropriate ministerial channels. Even though our political views were very different, that made no difference to David, he served all his constituents, regardless of political persuasion. His honesty, integrity, openness and caring brought a rich bounty to the House of Commons and it will be much the poorer for his untimely passing. Most of all, though, I feel that I have lost a true friend. Please extend my deepest sympathies to his family. Sav. Mellor

 Just to say I was very sorry to hear of David's passing away. He was a genuinely nice person who always had time for everybody. He was a great help to me when I was starting out in journalism and an all round great chap. He recently sent me a congratulations card, after hearing I'd just had a new baby. That was the kind of man he was.... very thoughtful. Please pass on my condolences to his family. Andy Rush

 The members of the Ibstock Co-op Ladies Group would like to express their sadness at the death of David and our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Taylor and the family at this very sad time. David was an extraordinary constituency MP and whether you agreed or disagreed politically he was always willing to offer help and advice. He attended our functions whenever time allowed and always stopped to talk when he was out and about. He had a quirky sense of humour and whenever allowed an independent spirit in his campaigning.  He will be sorely missed in the local community as he was a friend as well as our MP. Pamela Smith

We are so sorry to hear of David's death. He was very much appreciated in this area a true man of the people, very approachable, very helpful a real friend who will be greatly missed. We were sad when we heard he was going to retire but are grieved by his sudden death - they broke the mould when they made David. He was a man the young budding MP's should look at when starting off in this role as I believe he was brilliant at his job. Whatever your problem or pleasure was David was there to listen to you. Rest in Peace David you are going to be sadly missed. Regards to Pam and family from Eleanor and Bert Pink

On behalf of the Packington Horticultural Society committee I wish to send our best wishes to the family and friends of David at this tragic time. I have been secretary of our society for ten years and in that time David has given me and our show his full support, and was always on hand if we had a problem. He also gave our Memorial Hall the backing required to obtain our Lottery Grant for the hall's refurbishment and was there for the re-opening ceremony three weeks ago. On a personal note. I found in David sincerety, honesty and a passion for the community he served as a member of parliament and a friend with a great sense of humour to which we will never see his like again. Paul Parry

I would like to record my great sorrow at David's sudden death,  but do not want to intrude on Pam and her family's grief. He was the most amazing MP to have. We had known each other since starting our families and although in recent years we only bumped into each other occasionally he always asked about the children as if he really wanted to know. I am so sad that he did not make it to a calmer style of life,  as he greatly deserved. I can only wish Pam and her family comfort in their grief. Sue Talbut

We are all very shocked to hear about David. Pam, I can't imagine how you must be feeling at this moment. You know better than any of us what kind of man David was, what he worked at what mattered to him and what made him laugh, so it seems a bit presumptuous to describe him to you. Though it does seem important for you and your family and friends to know that David's work mattered and his colleagues valued him very highly. His opinion was one that was sought on most issues, I'll miss him very much. I hope that you will gain some comfort from knowing how much we all liked him and admired him. Kali Mountford

How very sad to hear of the death of such a great gentleman who will be sadly missed. We have in the past had to call on david for help and he always sorted everything out it was our pleasure to have met him.God bless him and his family RIP DAVID Dorothy Catherall

 I just want to say how sorry I was to hear of David Taylor's sudden death. I found him a sound and conscientious MP, and certainly a good friend to Kegworth in its quest to get the village properly bypassed. He helped me personally and he supported the village on many occasions and was always up-to-speed on the many issues which concerned the neighbourhood. He will be much missed. Please pass on my thoughts and sympathy to the family and all who knew him and worked with him. Richard Pike

Terrible sad news, it`s the loss of a very kind, caring, sincere and honest man who always put others first and gave 100%, he`ll be sadly missed. Liz Foster

 My deepest sympathy to David's family and friends. I worked with David as a member of ibstock Labour party in the early eighties and campaigned with him in the 1981 local elections. I last saw him at a memorial service to David Evans in Whitwick last February and as usual enjoyed our political chat. Everyone who came into contact with David recognised his capacity for unstinting hard work and absolute integrity. He believed in and lived his life by the principles of community responsibility. He was kind and treated everyone with the greatest of dignity including opponents. A true gentleman and socialist. A sad loss especially as at the end of this parliament he was to achieve some well earned leisure time. David Cross

I was shocked to read of the sudden death of my MP Mr David Taylor.
I have had occasion to meet him in a professional capacity, representing and helping me, his constituent, and also have met him on numerous occasions, just out and about in North West leicestershire, or holding a surgery in my local library, or turning up to a friends birthday, just because he knew that the person would be thrilled. That's the sort of person David Taylor was, a local man, who knew his people and did his best for them.....you couldn't ask for anything else. I am sorry he won't now be able to relax with his family in his retirement......but to be honest, although I knew him only vaguely I know that he would still have been too involved in local life, and people would still be turning to him for help, because they trusted and respected him. Christina Baker

 We were very very sad to hear of the death of David Taylor, our MP.
He was an excellent MP - dedicated, hard-working and omnipresent. He was a thoroughly decent man, whom we will always remember with affection and great respect. Our sincere condolences to his family. Philip and Susan Salaun

I would very much like to convey my sincerest thoughts and heart felt sympathy to Pam and her daughters and extended family. I heard on National TV while I was away of David's death, I considered David to be a good friend and a particular ally. David was prepared to help out in all situations particularly regarding the adverse effects of night flying at East Midlands Airport, where we had stood firmly on campaigning. He has been a member of the DEMAND Campaign (campaign to Designate East Midlands Airport ) and even attended one or two committee meetings of the group with Edward Garnier and Alan Duncan. His campaigning will be acutely missed. In my thoughts Cllr Steve Charlish

 Our area mourns a hero. R.I.P David. Always a dear friend. Putting North West Leics on the map. You never said "no" when anyone needed help. In the 1980s i was fortunate to canvass in Ravenstone and learnt so much from you. A dear friend and mentor. A Great Man. David i was proud to know you and honoured to call you my friend. Deepest Sympathy to Pam and your family. Xx Kim McGlen-Bull 

To my mind, David was the very model of what a constituency MP should be - indefatigable. His boots will be immensely hard to fill.
Brian Conway

Please pass our deepest sympathy to Davids wife/family he will be a great loss to the whole community David and Sue Doherty

I met David many times at Co-op Party meetings and found him to be honest, clear thinking and very astute. You didn't need to agree with David to realise his heart was always in the right place. Over the last couple of years whenever David appeared on TV or radio the first thoughts in my mind were, 'here comes trouble' and I mean that in the nicest way. You knew that you were going to hear a cogent well ordered augment that would probably challenge your preconceptions.
David is a great loss to the Labour movement and shone brightly in an otherwise tarnished occupation. Alan Judd

 I met David for the first time just one month ago, so I am very saddened to hear of his death. He kindly made time to meet me at Portcullis House to talk to me about a story that I'm researching on a subject that he felt quite passionate about. My thoughts are with his family. He was obviously a very hardworking and well respected man. Luisa Baldini

I met David last year at Sence valley, I am from Lincolnshire and was
one of the traders on the farmers market, it was a brief conversation
but one long enough for me to realise that he was one of the truly
honourable M.P.'s that selflessly do their level best for their
community. It says something about the man that even though I only spoke with him for a few minutes, I feel saddened by his passing and compelled to register my condolences. I am sure he has left a huge gap in many lives. James Pocklington

We were shocked and saddened to hear of David Taylor's death on Boxing Day. He was extremely hard-working, independent-minded and always responded to various communications we had with him on specific issues, including the ban on hunting with dogs. He will be sadly missed. Anne Davis and Glynis Gardner

I first met David when he invited me to brief him on the progress of 30 children at Moira Infant, Burton Road, Donisthorpe and Oakthorpe schools in 2005. The children and teachers were re-evaluating for the DfES a failed experiment in maths education that had been carried out in Leicestershire in the 1960s. David was extraordinarily well informed about the history of mathematics. Thereafter, when we corresponded and met at the House of Commons he took a close interest in what the children, teachers and school governors were learning. The research programme's alumni are now at Ivanhoe College and David was looking forward to welcoming them at his old school, Ashby, where he was serving as a Governor. There are very few MP's with David's knowledge of computing, mathematics and labour's struggle for democracy. He will be sadly missed by the teachers, parents and children of the Stanford Tizard programme.  Ian Benson

May I on behalf of Ibstock Working Mens Club offer our most sincere condolences to Mrs Taylor and family at this sad time.He will be greatly missed by both our commitee and our members as a sincere ,hard working gentleman who always had time to talk anyone about anything that needed either advice or guidance. He will be hard to replace. Alec Mason 
 

May I on behalf of the Fraser and Adams Families of Moira express our sadness at hearing the news of Mr Taylors death. To the Family and friends of David may we offer our sympathy at this time. My Family probably knew him best from a visit to Parliament following the everything must go auction a few years ago when my Father was involved with the canal resurection, and latterly in connection with the fight to save the moira fire station and the moira male voice choir. Again may I offer our deepest sympathy at this sad time. Ian Fraser

Simply the best,Will always remember him for his help and support through Petes illness in 2000, God Bless, Ann Cartwright & Family

 I had the privilege of knowing and working with David for many years, going back to his days as a member of Heather Parish Council and NWLDC, when I was both a resident of Heather and a news reporter for the Leicester Mercury: the sight of him opening the front door of his home early on a Sunday morning as he prepared to go to church, half-dressed and barely awake, and still managing to give me a quote at the untimely death of Princess Diana, stays with me with a smile just as much as him kindly agreeing to say Grace at my wedding.
Integrity like David's doesn't come along often. He was always friendly, intelligent, articulate and available - there was nothing more you could ask for from a local politician, or from a friend, and he will be sorely missed. David was a true ambassador for the area and his shoes will indeed be hard to fill. Lizz Brain

I knew David before he became an MP and have met him occasionally in the pub at Heather or when playing against the Heather cricket team.  His knowledge of the local area and his passion in support of its people were outstanding. David was the type of person that gives politics a good name. He was a man of principle who voted at Westminster for what he believed, irrespective of personal advancement. He was fearless in pursuit of local issues. The area has never had a better MP than David nor will it in the future. Professor Roger Smith

We were very saddened to hear of David's sudden and untimely death on Boxing Day. I met David several times and, most recently, when he came the council offices to support the campaign of the Packington Nook Residents' Association. I found David very friendly and approachable. He was a hard working and true representative of the constituency and he commanded a great deal of personal support and respect across the political divide. He will be very sorely missed. Our sincere condolences to David's family at this sad time. Dr Nigel Garnham

 I have to say how terribly sad I am to hear of David Taylor's demise. He was a genuine, honest gentleman who worked hard for his constituents and represented them well, no matter what their politics. I had a great deal of respect for him and was also saddened when he announced he would not stand for another term in Parliament. This country desperately needs more MPs like him. Please pass on my condolences to his wife and family. P Shawcroft

I was so sad to hear of the sudden death of our highly respected MP.
David was a governor at Ashby Grammar School where I had the privilege of teaching two of his daughters. They were lovely girls and a credit to David and his wife. He was really supportive in the schools bid for Technology Status,which was eventually achieved. David conducted himself with great diginty and there are many of the current crop in Westminster that should consider his example.It would certainly go a long way in restoring public confidence,which through their own actions is sadly lacking. A man of the people who will be sorely missed. Michael Wardle

 David has meant a lot to me during my life for many reasons. Throughout my schooling and scouting careers he has helped to develop and fund a lot of projects. He also helped my mother when she was in the governors at Ashby Church of England Primary School. I was saddened to hear of his death and me and my family’s feelings go out to his family. He will be greatly missed. Alexander Hayes, age 14

My experience of David Taylor was as a viewer on BBC Parliament. He always seemed to be in the chamber! Often on the Labour side side with Kelvin Hopkins and Rob Marris and not many others. He always seemed to ask difficult and pertinent questions of the government about causes effecting his constituents and the country as a whole. He was independently minded and an example of what Labour MPs should aspire to. A critical and constructive member of the government back benches. Although I never met him, I shall miss him enormously. He was by far the best back bench Labour MP I have ever seen. Alan Mitchell

My dear friend David Taylor a sad loss to me and many friends  David and I go back many years he was always in the pre Internet days only a phone call away sometimes he was working in London he always returned my call and was always very helpful concerning local council matters. It was only a couple of months ago we needed some help with our street sign sent a email and it was sorted out I often sat with my dear friend Walter Quelch ex local Government officer for NWLDC he would pop in for a chat that was David never stay very long but he was good company. Pam your best friend and husband has gone so suddenly he will be missed by so many I wish you well and god bless
Paul C Burrows

My family and I were all shocked and extremely sad to hear of Mr.Taylor's death and we would like to offer our condolences to his family. It had been my intention to write to Mr.Taylor at the end of
this parliament to thank him for being by far the best MP I have known in my 50 years as a voter. During those years I have had 6 constituency MPs in different places that I have lived and Mr.Taylor was streets ahead of the other 5 in terms of his non-stop work, his attention to constituents' problems and his great integrity. I know many people locally, many of them not supporters of the Labour Party, but they were all proud of David as their MP and he will be srely missed. Arthur Merritt

 I would like to offer my condolence's to the family of David Taylor MP, he was a very nice and generous man both as my MP but also as an acquaintance whilst I served as vice chairman of the Riverview Tennants and Residents Association, Measham. He not only helped our association but also he helped me on more than one occasion, and he even took the time to invite myself and my father down to the Palace of Westminster in January 2007. This was a fantastic day out in London for both me and my dad, a day we will always remember thanks to David. He will be sadly missed by me and so many others, once again my thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Andrew Buck

I would like to add my sincere regret at the sad news of David's untimely death.As one of his constituents,and a member of Friends of Thringstone,I know,and appreciate,how much he has done for this area.He will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with his family at this time. Rowena Summers

I would like to add my personal tribute to one of the kindest men I have ever met and whose chats I will miss so much. David has been a long standing member of Leicestershire CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) and has continued to support our work and aims to protect the countryside, despite giving up active campaigning for us in NW Leicestershire on becoming an MP. However, he supported our National Office concerns in Parliament whenever the need arose and was always willing to meet to discuss issues. His love of the Leicestershire scenery and villages is shared by many and such a devoted advocate as David will be missed terribly. My deepest condolences to Pam and his family. Joyce Noon

I was introduced to David by the late Councillor Agnes Smith when I lived in Thringstone and thought at the time what a wonderful representative he would be for the people of North West Leicestershire. He proved true. It is so sad that after his dedicated time serving the constituency he will not be spending some well-earned time with his devoted family. My sincere condolences go out to them and I hope they can draw strength from their memories of him as a loving and supportive father and as a champion of the community.
Bob Brechin

I only met David Taylor once and was very impressed by this very decent and honourable man. Since then I always followed his pronouncements in Parliament and admired his clear headed thinking. He stood for what was right and was nobody's toady. He will be sadly missed. I wish he was my MP! Guru Singh

Although I had only begun to get to know him in recent months in my new role for the Church of England, I always found him to be an honourable, decent and hard working man. He will be much missed and all our thoughts and prayers are with his family, you and all those who worked with him. Richard Chapman

 We would just like to express our condolences to Mrs Taylor and family. Also to everyone in the constituency office and those who worked closely with David. David was a wonderful person. Kind, caring, considerate and incredibly hard working. He took a genuine interest in everyone’s activities and problems. His memory was immense, despite all the people he met David could carry on a conversation with you from the last time you had spoken to him. David is irreplaceable and will be greatly missed. Susan and John Harrison and Family

I have just heard the very sad news of David’s untimely death on Boxing Day. I had some limited dealings with David through his membership of the EFRA Select Committee, as I work for WRAP, one of Defra’s delivery bodies, and found him a thoughtful and honourable Member of Parliament. Please accept my deepest condolences. Patrick Mahon

I would like to send my sincere condolences following the sudden death of David Taylor.  He helped me a lot in the last 7 years he was one of the most loveliest people I ever met.  To his wife and children our thoughts are with you at this very sad time and we would also like to say a big thankyou to the staff at his office in coalville they have been fantastic.  Jamie and Leah Michaud

Some very sad news, we will certainly miss his support in the Coffee Shop and at Holly Hayes woods. Please pray for David's family. Peter Christian

I can't believe he has gone. He was a truly great man. The world is a sadder place for losing him. Rest in peace, bless your family.
Melanie Downes & family

We are shocked and saddened to learn of David's death. His presence in and about the community, listening to, and helping, people will be sadly missed. Our sincere condolences to his family. Linda and Steve Lofthouse

My sincere sadness at David's untimely death. He was a great colleague and friend and we will all miss him deeply. Eric Goodyer

He was obviously a thoroughly decent person and I am very saddened by his death. Rebecca Linton

I am greatly shocked and deeply grieved to hear of of David's sudden passing.  I had known him for several years and we had shared discussion platforms on a range of issues a number of times in Leicester. He was a person of many qualities and held his views firmly about social justice in our society. He would be missed by all his friends. Please accept and convey to all members of your family my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences on your tragic loss. I pray that his soul may rest in eternal peace and that God may grant you the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Manzoor Moghal

Thoughts are sent Pam and her children at this very sad time. I worked with David for many years at Leicestershire County Council. He was always more concerned with other people than he was for himself in both parts of his working life. I great colleague and friend who always had a smile on his face. They say the good go first, and by was David a good person. I do not know of anybody who has ever said a bad word about him. He will be very sadly missed by all who knew him. Avril Thompson

Please pass on our sympathy to the family of David Taylor. He will be sadly missed for the way he always listened so carefully to each person and their problems, he really knew how to connect with the general public.  Angela and Paul Shoulders

I was so sorry to hear of David's untimely death and would like to say how much I have appreciated his support each time I have contacted him during the past few years. I have both written to him and visited his surgery. I have appreciated his independence and felt supported by his views. He will be sadly missed. I send my deepest condolences to his family. Mary Hurt

I just wanted to add my condolences to what I am sure will be a very large number for a very good man. My thoughts are with his wife and family and David will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A sad time indeed. Lee Horsley

As an ex resident of Mr Taylors constituency, I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr Taylors tragic death. David Taylor was a great constituency MP who cared for people and always but his people first.
I have had many a discussion with Mr Taylor. He was a man of sound principals, honest and of strong character. With the current Parliament being over shadowed by the expenses scandal, Mr Taylor was one who shone out from the rest as a man of great integrity. I wish to express my deep and sincere condolences to Mr Taylors family and his constituency team at this terrible time.  Westminster will be a sadder place as will North West Leicestershire and the country as a whole with his passing. Jim Walton

I would like to express the prayerful good wishes of the Catholic Community of Coalville on the death of David Taylor MP. Please pass on our good wishes to his family and to those who worked with him. Father Colin Patey

On behalf of the Benefice of Coalville, Bardon & Ravenstone, may I offer our sincere condolences to David's widow and family. We will greatly miss David's warmth and humour - and his willingnes to support all our activities whenever he could. He will certainly never be forgotten as an approachable and caring MP. Rev'd Vic Goodman

On behalf of the Minorca Opencast Protest Group committee and members we would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family of David Taylor. David has been an indefatigable supporter of many groups & causes over the years and an honorable respected member of the community. He will be greatly missed but remembered fondly by many. Hopefully our thoughts and sincere sympathies for his family will help sustain and support them in some small measure. Bob Walsh

I am very sad to hear of David's sudden and untimely death. He has helped me personally on more than one occasion and always replied to emails on different subjects. David supported local efforts such as the coffee shop in Whitwick and clearing Holly Hayes woods. He was the best MP this area has ever had because he cared about his home area, something I don't believe an "imported" MP could have done. I am sure it is of little or no comfort to you now to know that he will be remembered with respect and fondness, and that he will not be forgotten in this area, but it is true. David was obviously a person whose faith enabled him to genuinely believe in people and work for them. Ann M Plant

 It was with great sadness that we heard the news of David Taylor's death. We would like our sincere condolences to be passed on to his family and colleagues. We are very grateful for David's representation and campaigning while in office, especially his hard work regarding animal welfare issues and reforms - our particular concern. His hard work in this field will be greatly missed. Caroline & Robert Millward

I would like to send condolences on behalf of Oakthorpe Methodist Church, to the family and friends of David Taylor. He was much admired and we appreciated the help, support, and advice he gave to us as a church.We admired his obvious christian principles, and his untiring work for his local area. One of 'us' made good. He will be sorely missed. Peter A. Rose

My wife and I were shocked and saddened to hear of David Taylor's untimely death on Boxing Day. Although we never met him personally,we found him most pleasant, supportive and quick to respond on the issues we brought to his attention. Please pass on our deepest sympathies to his family. Philip and Irene Button
 

I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Mr Taylor's sudden death. He had always been most helpful when I had contacted him over a variety of issues over the years, and kept me updated about third world debt issues as he knew that this was an area of interest that we shared. He was a great constituency MP. Please would you pass on my condolences to his family and friends. Fiona Sellens

I was saddened to learn of the sudden death of David. He was a good constituency MP. He helped me personally over a local difficulty with the council some years ago including arranging a face to face meeting including himself and my local councillors. I am sure others in his constituency were equally grateful for similar treatment. I know he had decided to stand down at the next general election and it is particularly sad that he has not had the chance to enjoy some well earned retirement. The thoughts of my wife and myself go out to you at this difficult time. Malcolm & Shirley Cherrie

I want to send my condolences to all David's family and work colleagues - to keep it short David was the best MP I have ever had the pleasure to deal with and he will be greatly missed. Tony and Ann Webb

I would like to pass on our condolences to David's family at this time and to those who worked with David. This is such a difficult time for everyone close to him trying to cope with the sudden loss and the pain of it. Our thoughts are with you at this moment. I met David when he came to address our branch meeting about two years ago. He spoke about the NHS. I was impressed by his candour, honesty and above all his loyalty to the Party. We need more like David in Parliament perhaps then politics would suffer less from group think.  His untimely death is a great loss to his family and our thoughts and prayers are with them. Kathy Griffiths Ratby/Groby Branch Labour Party

Over the last few months we have seem David on many occasions at the civic ceremonies that I attend with my wife Annette who is the Chairman of North West Leicestershire District Council, it has been a honour to have discussions with David even though we didn’t always agree as we found ourselves on different sides of the political paths, this never stopped me from admiring him as we both felt the same way about the people of our area which we cared for above politics. I have leaned a lot from David over the last couple of years and will along with many miss him greatly, but I realise nothing I can say will comfort you or your family in this very sad time of your life but I will draw you to a meeting we had with David a few weeks ago. David was rushing about like Annette and I as we attended a sponsored walk for Hospice Hope, even though he was rushing about the one thing he didn’t want to miss was helping his daughter moving house ( I think it was in Sheffield). The pride he had is in his face really brought it home to me that it is the family that counts and I hope that as a family you can move forward in time. God Bless for now. John Bridges