Hundreds of people gathered in Erdington this afternoon to pay tribute to MP Jack Dromey who died earlier this month aged 73.
Constituents, campaigners and politicians gathered on Erdington High Street to pay their respects and share memories of Mr Dromey who had served the constituency since 2010.
The politicians, from across the political spectrum led the tributes to Mr Dromey, describing him as a man who ‘cared deeply about Erdington and its people’.
Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council Brigid Jones said Dromey was ‘laser focused on getting the most out of the council for Erdington and its people’.
Cllr Jones worked with Dromey on the campaign to save nursery schools in Erdington and across England.
“He could have not been more passionate about it, he not only saved [nurseries] in his constituency but also saved funding for them nationwide” said Jones.
She added that this was a legacy of his that would ‘be seen for decades to come in the people of Erdington’.
As a leading trade unionist and front-bencher, his public career lasted for almost fifty years.
‘A kind man’
Johnson Kinyera, 55 who lives in Erdington had known Dromey for 15 years, he said Dromey was ‘very kind man’.
“I had known Jack for many many years, he did so much for me and the local area. He contributed significantly to society” said Johnson.
Although Mr Dromey wasn’t born in the region, many at the event spoke of his love for the people of Erdington.
Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley told crowds that Jack ‘would fight for you as he would fight for anyone in his family’.
Also present was Liam Byrne, Labour MP for Birmingham Hodgehill, who added that Dromey’s life was a ‘crusade for decency, for dignity’ and for the people of Erdington.
‘His life was a crusade for decency’ said @liambyrnemp. pic.twitter.com/owZwwlKYpj
— Dylan Hayward (@DylanHayward) January 16, 2022
‘A Brilliant MP’
Thomas Davenport , an Erdington resident called Dromey a ‘brilliant MP’ who will be dearly missed.
“He brought together the MP’s of the whole of Birmingham, in a way I have never seen happen before. He has united the west midlands” said Mr Davenport.
Constituent Thomas Davenport called Mr Dromey a ‘brilliant MP’ who ‘united’ the West Midlands. pic.twitter.com/eHS6O8E22j
— Dylan Hayward (@DylanHayward) January 16, 2022
He is survived by his wife, Harriet Harman MP and his three children.
Image Cover Credit: UK Parliment Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
