Frank Field dead at 81 – Ex-Labour MP and peer passes away after prostate cancer battle
A FORMER Labour minister and assisted dying advocate has died aged 81.
Frank Field revealed in 2021 he was battling a terminal illness and was told he has just weeks to live.
His loved ones this morning announced his death – he was 81.
After revealing he was terminally ill, Field became an advocate for assisted dying.
He was put into hospice after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, but then came back out.
In an interview with the Times last year, Field said: “I’m just happily waiting for the end.
“As I feel you may hear, the cancer’s moved around in my neck and makes speech rather difficult.
“I hope it’s clear enough to understand. But I’m just in good spirits really. Surprising given what I am waiting for.”
In a statement, issued by the Parliamentary office, his loved ones this morning said: “Frank Field (Rt Hon Lord Field of Birkenhead, CH) has died at the age of 81 following a period of illness.
“Frank was director of the Child Poverty Action Group between 1969 and 1979, and the Member of Parliament for Birkenhead between 1979 and 2019.”
It continued: “Frank is survived by two brothers.
“He will be mourned by admirers across politics but above all he will be greatly missed by those lucky enough to have enjoyed his laughter and friendship.”
Field never married or had children, but his friends have described him as having a “full life outside of politics”.
He was from Edmonton, north London and was MP for Birkenhead in the Wirral, Merseyside, from 1979 to 2019.
Among his most notable positions was that of Welfare Reform Minister in Tony Blair‘s first Cabinet from 1997 to 1998.
In March 2015, he collapsed during a public meeting, reportedly following a heated exchange, and was admitted to hospital.
Though he later resigned after “differences” with the Prime Minister, and, in 2018, resigned the Labour whip citing anti-Semitism in the party.
I’m just happily waiting for the end.
Frank Field
He went on to form the Birkenhead Social Justice Party, but was beaten by the Labour candidate Mick Whitley in the 2019 general election.
In October 2021, Field revealed he is terminally ill and has spent time in a hospice.
It was then that he told of his support for a law that allows assisted dying.
Peers were debating in the House of Lords whether to permit people with a short time left to live to choose when they die.
This would be on the provision that two doctors agree the person is mentally competent, they have fewer than six months left, and they actively want the right to choose.
In an emotional statement read to fellow peers on behalf of Field, Baroness Meacher, who was leading the bill, said: “Our colleague, Lord Field, who is dying, asked me to read out a short statement.
Who was ex-Labour MP Frank Field?
Frank Field was a British politician from Edmonton, north London.
He was MP for Birkenhead in the Wirral, Merseyside, from 1979 to 2019.
Among his most notable positions was that of Welfare Reform Minister in Tony Blair’s first Cabinet from 1997 to 1998.
Though he later resigned after “differences” with the Prime Minister, and, in 2018, resigned the Labour whip citing anti-Semitism in the party.
He went on to form the Birkenhead Social Justice Party, but was beaten by the Labour candidate Mick Whitley in the 2019 general election.
Throughout his career, Field has shown support for numerous causes including pensions reform, ending child poverty and modern slavery, and increasing pay for those on low incomes.
He also believes that climate change is one of the biggest threats facing our society, according to his website.
Field has never married or had children, but his friends have described him as having a “full life outside of politics”.
In March 2015, he collapsed during a public meeting, reportedly following a heated exchange, and was admitted to hospital.
And in October 2021, Field revealed he was terminally ill and has spent time in a hospice.
Several high profile figures have sent their best wishes since he revealed he was dying.
Among them was Health Secretary Sajid Javid who described Field as “an amazing, compassionate man”.
“I have just spent a period in a hospice and I am not well enough to participate in today’s debate.
“If I had been, I would have spoken strongly in favour of a second reading.
“I changed my mind on assisted dying when an MP friend was dying of cancer and wanted to die early before the full horror effects set in but was denied this opportunity.
“I hope the House will today vote for the Assisted Dying Bill.”
He added that concerns that people might be pressured to end their lives were “unfounded”.
Reflecting on his time in politics until 2019, Field’s family said: “During that time, he served as a Minister for Welfare Reform and led the Independent Review on Poverty and Life Chances.
“He also chaired the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee (and its predecessor Committee on Social Services and Social Security) as well as the Joint Committee on the Draft Modern Slavery Bill.
“In 2020, Frank entered the House of Lords as the Rt Hon the Lord Field of Birkenhead, was appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) in the 2022 New Year Honours and continued to serve on the boards of Cool Earth, Feeding Britain and the Frank Field Education Trust.
Field's statement on assisted dying
Read to the Commons in 2021 by Baroness Meacher
“Our colleague, Lord Field, who is dying, asked me to read out a short statement.
“I have just spent a period in a hospice and I am not well enough to participate in today’s debate.
“If I had been, I would have spoken strongly in favour of a second reading.
“I changed my mind on assisted dying when an MP friend was dying of cancer and wanted to die early before the full horror effects set in but was denied this opportunity.
“I hope the House will today vote for the Assisted Dying Bill.”