FORMER Labor minister and colleague Frank Field has died aged 81 after a battle with prostate cancer.
Field revealed in 2021 that he was battling a terminal illness and was told he only had weeks to live.
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His family announced this morning that the veteran politician – who represented Birkenhead in Wirral, Merseyside for 40 years as an MP – had passed away.
After revealing that he was terminally ill, Field became an advocate for assisted dying.
He was initially cared for by a hospice after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, but it later returned.
In an interview with Times Last year, Field said, “I’m happily waiting for the end.
“As you may have heard, the cancer has spread to my neck and makes it very difficult to speak.
“I hope it’s clear enough to understand. But I’m actually in a good mood. Surprising, given what I’m expecting.”
In a statement, released by the parliamentary office, his loved ones said this morning: “Frank Field (Rt Hon Lord Field of Birkenhead, CH) has died aged 81 after a period of illness.
“Frank was director of the Child Poverty Action Group between 1969 and 1979, and Member of Parliament for Birkenhead between 1979 and 2019.”
He continued: “Frank is survived by two brothers.
“He will be mourned by admirers across politics, but most of all, he will be missed by those who were lucky enough to enjoy his laughter and friendship.”
Field, from Edmonton, north London, never married or had children, but his friends described him as having a “full life outside of politics”.
Among his most notable roles was that of Minister for Pensions Reform in Tony Blair’s first cabinet, from 1997 to 1998.
He later resigned after “differences” with the prime minister, and in 2018 he resigned as Labor leader citing anti-Semitism in the party.
I’m happy waiting for the end.
Frank Field
He formed the Birkenhead Social Justice Party, but was defeated by Labor candidate Mick Whitley in the 2019 general election.
He collapsed during a public meeting in March 2015, reportedly after a heated argument, and was admitted to hospital.
In October 2021, Field revealed that he was terminally ill and spent time in hospice.
It was then that he spoke of his support for a law that allows assisted death.
Peers were debating in the House of Lords whether they should allow people with only a short time to live to choose when to die.
This would be done on the condition that two doctors agree that the person is mentally competent, that they have less than six months left, and that they actively want the right to choose.
Who was former Labor MP Frank Field?
Frank Field was a British politician from Edmonton, north London.
He was MP for Birkenhead in Wirral, Merseyside, from 1979 to 2019.
Among his most notable roles was that of Minister for Pensions Reform in Tony Blair’s first cabinet, from 1997 to 1998.
Although he later resigned after “differences” with the Prime Minister and in 2018 resigned from the Labor leadership citing anti-Semitism in the party.
He formed the Birkenhead Social Justice Party, but was defeated by Labor candidate Mick Whitley in the 2019 general election.
Throughout his career, Field has demonstrated support for numerous causes, including pension reform, ending child poverty and modern slavery, and raising wages for those on low incomes.
He also believes climate change is one of the biggest threats facing our society, according to his website.
Field never married or had children, but his friends described him as having a “full life outside of politics.”
In March 2015, he collapsed during a public meeting, reportedly after a heated argument, and was admitted to hospital.
And in October 2021, Field revealed he was terminally ill and spent time in hospice.
Several prominent figures have sent their best wishes since he revealed he was dying.
Among them was Health Secretary Sajid Javid, who described Field as “an incredible and compassionate man”.
In an emotional statement read to colleagues on Field’s behalf, Baroness Meacher, who led the bill, said: “Our dying colleague, Lord Field, asked me to read a short statement.
“I have just spent time in a mental institution and am not well enough to take part in today’s debate.
“If I had been, I would have spoken vehemently in favor of a second reading.
“I changed my mind about assisted dying when a parliamentary friend of mine was dying of cancer and wanted to die early, before the full effects of terror set in, but was denied that opportunity.
“I hope the House votes in favor of the Assisted Dying Act today.”
He added that concerns that people could be pressured to end their lives were “unfounded”.
Reflecting on his time in politics until 2019, Field’s family said: “During this time he served as Minister for Welfare Reform and led the Independent Review into Poverty and Life Chances.
“He also chaired the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee (and its predecessor, the Social Services and Social Security Committee), as well as the Joint Committee on the Modern Slavery Bill.
“In 2020 Frank entered the House of Lords as the Rt Hon the Lord Field of Birkenhead, was appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honor (CH) in the 2022 New Year Honors and has continued to serve on the boards of Cool Earth, Feeding the Great Britain and the Frank Field Education Trust.
Field Statement on Assisted Dying
Read for the Commons in 2021 by Baroness Meacher
“Our colleague, Lord Field, who is dying, asked me to read a brief statement.
“I have just spent time in a mental institution and am not well enough to take part in today’s debate.
“If I had been, I would have spoken vehemently in favor of a second reading.
“I changed my mind about assisted dying when a parliamentary friend of mine was dying of cancer and wanted to die early, before the full effects of terror set in, but was denied that opportunity.
“I hope the House votes in favor of the Assisted Dying Act today.”
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