MP dies waiting for transplant
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JIMMY BOYCE, MP for Rotherham and a well-liked former foundry worker on the left of the party, died yesterday, leaving his safe Labour seat to be contested in a by-election, writes Donald Macintyre.
Mr Boyce, who had been waiting for a heart transplant, was 46 and was part of the new 1992 intake after taking over from Stan Crowther. He held the seat with a 17,561 majority.
Although the by-election will make no difference to the Government's 17-strong majority because it is in safe Labour territory, it will be unwelcome to the Tories - struggling in the polls - because it presents the unpleasant possibility of coming third if there is a sizeable swing against them or a particularly low turnout. The Tories were a low second in April 1992 with just over 10,000 votes and the Liberal Democrats third with 5,000.
The spectacle of the Tories coming third - in the midst of the local and European election campaign would be an added blow to the party.
Contrary to some suggestions in Westminster last night, the by-election will not necessarily be a test of Labour's new - and controversial - policy of insisting on women candidates in half the marginal and safe seats. The National Executive has the right to impose candidates on a constituency in a by-election.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments