Early years sector pays tribute to 'tireless, dedicated campaigner' Jack Dromey MP
Catherine Gaunt
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
The early years sector has paid tribute to Jack Dromey, the Labour politician who died suddenly on Friday.
As MP for Birmingham Erdington, Dromey was involved in actively campaigning for many years on issues affecting the early years sector and children.
As secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Nursery Schools, Nursery and Reception Classes, he campaigned for more long-term sustainable funding.
Beatrice Merrick, chief executive of Early Education, said, ‘As secretary to the APPG for Nursery Schools, Nursery and Reception Classes, Jack worked tirelessly to secure the future of maintained nursery schools.
‘He was a passionate advocate for the work done by the nursery schools in his constituency and determined to ensure the survival of England’s remaining nursery schools, and to argue the case for more. His gentle, courteous but relentless pursuit of this goal was a significant contributor to the current spending review outcome.
‘It was a privilege to work with him. Headteachers of nursery schools across the country have expressed their appreciation of his support and their shock and sadness at his loss.’
Dromey also campaigned against the Government's introduction of Reception Baseline testing of four-year-olds.
On Twitter, campaign group More Than A Score, said, ‘Our deepest sympathies go to the family, friends and colleagues of Jack Dromey MP. A tireless, dedicated campaigner who changed many lives.’
Jack Dromey MP (centre) with then shadow early years minister Tracy Brabin at a protest against the Reception Baseline in April 2019
Elaine Bennett of Keeping Early Years Unique posted a message on Facebook, ‘So sorry to hear of the sad passing of Jack Dromey MP. He marched with Kym Scott, Sue Allingham and I - plus so many other Keyuers plus lots of mini keyuers to Downing Street back in 2019 to say no to baseline testing. He spoke up for children. And we will continue his work. RIP Jack.’
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, who worked alongside Dromey during her time as shadow early years minister, said on Twitter, ‘Heartbreaking news. He was a wonderful MP and an even better human. So many lives will have been made better because of him. Sending condolences to @HarrietHarman and family. Such a loss.’
Dromey was elected as an MP in 2010 and before that had a long career as one of the leading trade unionists of his generation.
Tributes poured in across the political spectrum and a minute’s silence was held by MPs in the House of Commons on Monday.
Jack was married to Harriet Harman, the longest-serving female MP and ‘mother’ of the House. He is survived by Harriet and by their children Harry, Joe and Amy.
Jack Dromey, trade unionist and politician, born 29 September 1948; died 7 January 2022.
