Frank Field: Tributes as former Labour minister and crossbench peer dies aged 81

Former Labour minister Frank Field has died at the age of 81, his family has announced.

The politician also served as a crossbench peer, holding the title of Rt Hon Lord Field of Birkenhead. Lord Field, who was an MP for Birkenhead for four decades, served as a minister for welfare reform under Tony Blair’s Labour government before joining the House of Lords in 2020.

The Conservative government bestowed the role onto him after he campaigned in favour of Brexit.

He quit the Labour group in 2018 after branding the leadership of former leader Jeremy Corbyn a “force for antisemitism in British politics”.

A statement from his family, issued by his Parliamentary office, said: “Frank Field (Rt Hon Lord Field of Birkenhead, CH) has died at the age of 81 following a period of illness. Frank was director of the Child Poverty Action Group between 1969 and 1979, and the Member of Parliament for Birkenhead between 1979 and 2019.

“During that time, he served as a Minister for Welfare Reform and led the Independent Review on Poverty and Life Chances. He also chaired the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee (and its predecessor Committee on Social Services and Social Security) as well as the Joint Committee on the Draft Modern Slavery Bill.”

They added: “Frank is survived by two brothers. He will be mourned by admirers across politics but above all he will be greatly missed by those lucky enough to have enjoyed his laughter and friendship.”

Frank Field was born to Tory-voting parents in London and went to school at St Clement Danes, a grammar school in Fulham.

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In October 2021, it was announced that Lord Field had been spending time in a hospice, with the peer unable to attend some debates as a result. He was made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2022.

Labour’s shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting, wrote on X: Rest in peace, Frank Field. A great parliamentarian, crusader for social justice and source of wise counsel. What a blessing to have known him and benefited from his advice and kindness, even as his illness gripped him. Deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him.”

Conservative MP Priti Patel wrote: “My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Frank Field. Frank was a kind and compassionate man and a great Parliamentarian.

“His unwavering moral compass, commitment to working cross-party and unshakable principles defined him and will be greatly missed.”