Jim Dobbin — British Labour Co-operative MP and microbiologist

Early life and scientific background

Dobbin was born in 1941 and pursued a career in microbiology before entering full-time politics. His scientific training informed his understanding of public health, laboratory practice and evidence-based policy. Those facets of his background are frequently noted when describing his approach to parliamentary work and constituency casework relating to health and technical matters. For background on the scientific field he worked in, see general information on microbiology.

Parliamentary career

First elected at the 1997 general election, Dobbin held the seat of Heywood and Middleton through subsequent re-elections and served in the Commons for over 17 years. As an MP he carried out the typical duties of a legislator and representative: introducing and scrutinising legislation, taking part in debates, and handling local constituency issues. His official contributions and voting record are part of the public parliamentary record; further details can be found via the parliamentary record.

Roles, interests and reputation

Colleagues and constituents remembered Dobbin for bringing professional technical knowledge to political discussions and for his steady constituency work. MPs with scientific backgrounds often influence policy in areas such as health, research funding and public health regulation. Typical aspects of an MP's role include:

• Legislative scrutiny and debating national policy
• Committee work and evidence-based inquiries
• Constituency representation and casework

Death and legacy

Jim Dobbin died on 7 September 2014 while on an official visit to Europe. He passed away during a Council of Europe trip to Poland, where he had gone as part of engagements connected to the Council of Europe. His death ended a lengthy period of public service at both local and national levels.

Further information

For more on his political affiliation and local activity see the party page. Additional contemporary summaries and tributes are available through the linked parliamentary and organisational records above.