WIRRAL has paid tribute to the former Birkenhead MP and Labour minister Frank Field who died aged 81.

Lord Field of Birkenhead died in a London care home on Tuesday (April 23) night 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.

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

Tributes to the late veteran have poured in on social media including local MPs and Tranmere Rovers.  

Wallasey MP, Angela Eagle said: “Very sad news. Always supportive of me as his Parliamentary neighbour, brimming with ideas to make society better - a great champion of his Birkenhead constituents: RIP Frank.”

Birkenhead MP, Mick Whitley said: “Frank Field, has sadly passed away today. Frank gave 40 years of selfless service to Birkenhead as its MP. His campaigns against poverty and his support for the people of our town are a priceless legacy. My sincere condolences go to Frank's friends, family and colleagues.”

Wirral South MP, Alison McGovern said: “Very sad news. Frank served the people of Birkenhead for 40 years. Everyone in the Wirral will be thinking of his life and contribution. He was indeed unique and a very special person to work with. His work will have an impact for many years to come. Thinking of his loved ones.”

Councillor Jeff Green, Leader of Wirral’ Conservatives, said: “Frank Field was one of this country’s most successful politicians and one of Wirral’s most respected, by all sides of politics.  

“His success measured not only in his votes, which, at most elections would have been quicker to weigh than count, but in the difference he made to the lives of people who had been left behind and forgotten by the system. People who found their voice through Frank.

“Wirral has lost a dedicated and committed champion but the causes and organisations to which he dedicated his life will live on, providing a lasting legacy to a remarkable man.”

Cllr Jerry Williams, Mayor of Wirral, 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.

"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.

"Even before he became an MP, Frank was passionate about tackling issues faced by the most disadvantaged people in society and was Director of the Child Poverty Action Group in the 10 years preceding his election as MP.

"In 2013 he established an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hunger, which published a major report on the growth in the numbers of people relying on food banks. This in turn led to him setting up ‘Feeding Britain’ as a charitable organisation to help put the group's proposals into action to reduce and prevent hunger.

"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, 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.

"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."

Tranmere Rovers said: “Tranmere Rovers were saddened to hear of the death of Frank Field, Lord Field of Birkenhead, who was a member of parliament for Birkenhead between 1979 and 2019."

Chairman Mark Palios said:  “Frank was fiercely independent and fought Birkenhead’s case for 40 years.

"He was a great supporter of the club and recognised its importance to the community, describing it as ‘one of the heartbeats of the Wirral.

"The Club would like to extend their condolences to Frank Field’s family and friends at this sad time.”