Book of condolence open after death of Lord Field

Lord Field of Birkenhead passed away in a London care home on Tuesday night, aged 81, following a period of illness.

He revealed he was terminally ill in October 2021 and had spent time in a hospice when a statement from him was read out in the House of Lords calling for laws on assisted dying to be relaxed.

The book of condolence at Birkenhead Town in his memory is open for the public to sign from 9am-5pm daily, except at weekends.

Read more: Former Birkenhead MP and Labour minister Frank Field dies aged 81 

Among those who have signed the book of condolence at Birkenhead Town Cllr Jerry Williams, Mayor of Wirral. He said: "On behalf of Wirral Council, I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Baron Field of Birkenhead on his passing.

"Frank served the people of Birkenhead as their MP with distinction for 40 years, as well as holding a number of important roles within Parliament, Government and in opposition.

Frank Field has died aged 81 (Image: PA)"Though born in London, he took Birkenhead into his heart after his election in 1979. He championed many important campaigns - not just within his constituency but also across the rest of Wirral, Merseyside and nationally – on a range of issues.

"Wirral has lost a friend and loyal advocate in Frank Field. His impact in Birkenhead and beyond will be felt for many years to come.

Wirral Council Leader, Cllr Paul Stuart, has also signed the book. He said: "It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Baron Frank Field of Birkenhead.

"Frank's four-decade dedication to serving the people of Birkenhead as their MP and championing welfare issues has left an enduring legacy.

Wirral Council Leader, councillor Cllr Paul Stuart, signs book of condolence in memory of former Birkenhead MP Frank Field (Image: Wirral Council)"His unwavering commitment to social justice and his collaborative approach in politics have made a lasting impact across political divides.

"On behalf of the people of Wirral, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Frank's loved ones as they grieve this great loss.

"Frank Field's contributions to Birkenhead and Wirral and his advocacy for those facing injustice will always be remembered and cherished. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten."

Wirral Council's chief executive, Paul Satoor joins council leader, councillor Paul Stuart and Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Jerry Williams in paying tribute to former MP Frank Field at Birkenhead Town Hall (Image: Wirral Council)Baron Field was also an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Birkenhead, which will be holding a silence today in his memory. A spokesperson for the club said: "The moto of Rotary is 'service above self' and that was entirely how Lord Field led his life".

He was also a key supporter of many Wirral charities, including the Hive Youth Zone, a Birkenhead-based facility for young people.

Hive's chief executive Jayne Wilson said: "Frank was instrumental in how The Hive Youth Zone came to be – a key supporter from the minute the idea for a Wirral youth zone was first put forward, helping to find a site for this incredible building and speaking up for the need for even more top-quality youth work for both Birkenhead and wider Wirral.

“And as a champion for those experiencing severe poverty both here in Birkenhead and far beyond, Frank was a longstanding voice on the issues facing so many of the young people we serve.

"Some of his experiences with us – such as packing food and toiletry hampers in our sports hall at Christmas time some years ago – fed into his work to bring the impact of the rising cost of living and policy decisions affecting families to national attention.

“As part of the youth work ecosystem on the Wirral, we’re proud to have been among the organisations deploying monies from Frank’s Feeding Birkenhead programme to support young people with food and activities when school’s out, which was the bedrock of the national holiday activity and food programme which continues to thrive today.” 

A statement from Lord Field’s family, issued by his Parliamentary office and posted on X, formerly Twitter, said: “Through a long battle with cancer, Frank Field remained resilient and engaged with life until the end.

“He will be enormously missed by his family and wide circle of friends.

“Frank was an extraordinary individual who spent his life fighting poverty, injustice and environmental destruction.

"His decency and faith in people’s self-interested altruism made a unique contribution to British politics.

“After 40 years of dedicated public service, Frank will be mourned by admirers across the political divide. But above all, he will be deeply missed by those lucky enough to have enjoyed his laughter and friendship.”