Ex- MPwhosaved hospital dies at 82
POLITICS: A former MP who was the first Labour parliamentarian to represent Leeds North West, has died ged 82. Harold Best was MP for the constituency from 1997 to 2005.
He won his seat in the landslide that took Tony Blair to power. One of Mr Best’s many achievements for constituents was to save Wharfedale Hospital.
A FORMER MP who was the first Labour parliamentarian to represent Leeds North West, has died this week aged 82.
Harold Best was MP for the constituency between 1997 and 2005.
The former electrician won his seat in the landslide that took Tony Blair to power. One of Mr Best’s many achievements for constituents was to save Wharfedale Hospital, in Otley.
Alex Sobel, the current Labour MP for Leeds North West, said: “My first ever tour of Parliament was with Harold and I wasn’t even a constituent, his example is something I now follow as the MP.
“My first ever canvassing session was with Harold on the Meanwood Valley Estate where Harold spoke to me about the difference a Labour council could make.
“I now try and inspire young activists in the way Harold inspired me.
“Harold had Leeds North West flowing through his veins and did so much to bring government funding to our area and rebuilding the Wharfedale Hospital.”
Mr Best studied at Meanwood County School Technical College and was also a full- time trade union official during his career.
Judith Blake, leader of Leeds Council, said: “My thoughts go out to ( wife) Glyn and all of his family at this difficult time.
“So many Labour Party members across Leeds will remember
Harold with great respect and affection. His famous victory in the election of 1997 changed the political map forever.
“Harold served his constituents with great passion and conviction and his loss will be felt deeply by those who knew him.”
Mr Best had campaigned and voted against the war in Iraq.
He was dubbed a “great humanitarian” by former Labour councillor John Eveleigh.
He added: “I well remember the euphoria that we all felt when he became the first Labour MP for Leeds North West – and I was always taken by the way he connected with people.”