News / Politics
Tributes paid to former MP and councillor Doug Naysmith
Warm tributes have been paid to former member of parliament and councillor Doug Naysmith, who has died at the age of 82.
The Labour politician served as MP for Bristol North West from 1997 until 2010.
Before this he had been councillor for Hillfields from 1981 until 1998; and after leaving Westminster he represented Avonmouth ward at the Council House from 2010 until 2014, when he was made an honorary alderman.
Musselburgh-born Naysmith received a doctorate in immunology from the University of Edinburgh and spent time at Yale before becoming a research fellow and later lecturer in pathology at the University of Bristol.
West of England metro mayor Dan Norris, who served along Naysmith as an MP, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Doug Naysmith, the former Bristol North West MP.
“Doug was an honourable, charismatic and charming MP and Bristol city councillor colleague.
“Very capable, yet modest, Doug genuinely cared about those he represented, was of high principle, a straight dealing individual and great fun. I will remember him with respect and fondness.”
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who has ambitions of becoming an MP for the new Bristol North East constituency, said that Naysmith’s death was “such sad news for Bristol Labour and our wider city”.
“Doug Naysmith was a great servant of Bristol and a great supporter of those like me who came after him. He will be deeply missed. Thinking of Doug’s loved ones at this most difficult time.”
In a joint statement, Bristol’s current four Labour MPs – Kerry McCarthy, Thangam Debbonaire, Darren Jones and Karin Smyth – said they “are deeply saddened to hear that Dr Doug Naysmith has died today”.
They said: “A proud Scotsman, Doug made a huge contribution to our City and the Labour Party. We will miss him and pay tribute to his decades of public service. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Main photo: Network Rail
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