Bristol mourns former MP Doug Naysmith

LABOUR politician Doug Naysmith, who died last month, has been praised as “modest and genuine” and a man of high principle.

Dr Naysmith, who was Labour MP for Bristol North West for 13 years, died aged 82.

His successor in Bristol North West, Darren Jones, said he owed his 2017 victory to Dr Naysmith’s encouragement.

Mr Jones said: “I was very sad to hear that Doug Naysmith has died. We first met when he was my MP growing up and he was always a support to me after I was selected to be the Labour candidate in 2012.”

In a joint statement Mr Jones, and fellow Bristol Labour MPs Karin Smyth (Bristol South), Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East), and Thangam Debbonaire (Bristol West), said: “We will miss him, and pay tribute to his many decades of public service. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

West of England Metro

Mayor Dan Norris, who served as a Labour MP alongside Dr Naysmith, said he was deeply saddened.

“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.”

Doug Naysmith was elected to Bristol City Council in 1981 for the Hillfields seat. In 1992