Heartbreak over death of election candidate at 58
A 2019 Labour parliamentary candidate described as a “selfless” person has died.
Mark Huband, stood in the 2019 elections for North East Somerset. He has been described as a “good-hearted individual” after he died unexpectedly in early November.
Mr Huband, 58, was a British author, poet and former foreign correspondent focusing on Africa, the Middle East, terrorism, intelligence and global affairs working for The Financial Times, The Guardian and The Observer before turning to politics.
In the 2019 parliamentary election, Mr Huband doubled the Labour vote but placed second to Conservative Jacob Rees-mogg.
In his campaign speeches of 2019 the former journalist said he was ready to serve the “inspiring” people of North East Somerset.
He said: “First it was the despair of the West Harptree teacher who could not bear to see her pupils denied the quality education they deserve.
“Then it was the Keynsham carer who did not know whether she will keep the job on which her vulnerable patients depend.
“Most recently it was the Writhlington mum who barely has the money to feed her kids during school holidays.
“The experiences of families, teachers, health professionals and pensioners across North East Somerset, have for me been as heartbreaking as they have been inspiring for the courage they reveal.
“As our communities endure economic stagnation, political uncertainty and inadequate public services, the most important role of a parliamentary candidate and MP is to listen, learn and act quickly to bring relief and hope.
“I have spent my entire working life listening. As a war correspondent I listened to people’s stories, and brought their suffering to the attention of the world.
“As a businessman I listen to my employees, and help them through challenging times.
“As a parent, I listen to and advise my children as they take on the challenge of setting off into the world.
“As MP for North East Somerset I will be the servant of all the people - by listening, learning, and working tirelessly to make life better.”
Reacting to the news of the
As MP for North East Somerset I will be the servant of all the people - by listening, learning, and working tirelessly to make life better. Mark Huband speaking during his bid to be North East Somerset MP in 2017
death, the official Labour Party Twitter account for the South West said: “We are shocked and devastated to learn the news that Mark Huband suddenly died at the weekend (Nov 7/8).
“Mark Huband was the 2019 parliamentary candidate in North East Somerset, a passionate local campaigner and a dear friend to us all at Labour South West.”
An obituary published on deathobits.com says Mr Huband’s death would “leave a huge gap” in the lives of his family and friends.
It reads: “It is with a deep sense of loss and heavy heart that friends and family of Mark announced the unexpected death of their beloved Mark Huband who has passed away.
“Mark Huband is seen as a good-hearted individual, loving and selfless. This is why the death will surely leave a huge gap.
“Everyone so much cherished Mark Huband. The cause of death is not yet known.
“Memories of how Mark Huband lived and related with people will sure live in the hearts of many for the rest of their lives.
“Death has taken this wonderful fellow from the sight of people but not from their hearts.
“Mark Huband will surely be missed by many people including numerous friends and relatives.
“Some of them are saddened recalling the good times they shared with this fellow before death struck.
“Relatives, friends and wellwishers have been reaching out to the family of Mark in this time of grief while praying for the repose of soul of the deceased.
“The burial arrangement will be as announced by the family. We pray that God grants strength and courage to everyone Mark Huband has survived by, to be able to bear this inexplicable death.”
Tributes have been pouring in from across the South West.
Dan Norris, West of England’s Labour Metro Mayor paid tribute on Twitter saying: “Shocked to hear about the loss of Mark Huband: a champion of Labour values, thoughtful, intelligent and passionate about rural communities.
“We were certainly the richer for having him as part of our NE Somerset team. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this terrible time.”
At the June 2017 UK General Election he stood as the Labour Party candidate in The Cotswolds, placing second.
Stroud Consistency Labour party also paid tribute to Mr Huband on their Facebook page : “We are devastated. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”