Prime Minister pays tribute to late MP Harry Harpham

David Cameron pays tribute to Harry Harpham, the MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough who passed away aged 61 of cancer.
The late MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough, Harry Harpham,The late MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough, Harry Harpham,
The late MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough, Harry Harpham,

The former deputy leader of Sheffield City Council took up his seat in May at the General Election, and was diagnosed with cancer just weeks after the Labour Party conference in September.

Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Cameron said: "I know the whole House has been deeply saddened by the death of Harry Harpham last week from cancer.

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"After a distinguished career as a miner, an advisor to David Blunkett and a Sheffield councillor he was returned to this place last may, succeeding David Blunkett himself.

"While he was only in this place a short time he quickly became a popular MP recognised for his commitment to his constituents and his beliefs.

"It's a measure of the man that he continued to carry out his work as an MP throughout his treatment.

"We offer his wife Gill and five children our profound condolences."

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Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn praised Mr Harpham for using his last question in the House of Commons two weeks ago to ask the Prime Minister question about the steel industry and Forgemasters in Sheffield.

He said: "I hope the Prime Minister will reflect on his diligence in representing that industry and his constituency."

He then read out a message from his widow Gill, who lives in Firth Park in Sheffield.

"We've admired the bravery and courage he's shown in his life which was formed during the miners strike which carried him forward for the rest of his life."

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Mr Corbyn added: "I'm sure the whole House and the wider community will remember Harry as a decent, honourable man, absolutely dedicated to his community and constiuents and we are very sad at his passing."