'Fearless' former MP Dr Richard Taylor dies

Dr Richard Taylor, a former independent MP who campaigned to preserve hospital services in Worcestershire, has died at the age of 89.

A retired hospital consultant, Dr Taylor stood for election in 2001 on the single issue of saving services at Kidderminster Hospital.

He was successful in winning the Wyre Forest seat from Labour with a majority of 18,000, holding it in 2005 before losing to the Conservatives in 2010.

He went on to co-found The National Health Action Party, to encourage others in the medical profession to enter politics.

"It's a sad loss to the community of Wyre Forest," said Graham Ballinger, former leader of the Wyre Forest's Independent Community and Health Concern party, of which Dr Taylor was president until his death on Wednesday.

"He stood up for the rights of the hospital and worked so hard.

"People still talk about him on the doorstep now. He was a wonderfully honest guy: what he said, he did."

Dr Taylor's first campaign was based on the sole issue of preventing the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital and demanding the re-opening of its accident and emergency department.

His electoral success made him the only independent MP in the House of Commons at the time.

Speaking after his victory in 2001, he pledged not to let down his constituents.

"I think the most staggering thing this morning is that the chief executive of the trust and one of the important directors of the trust have shaken my hand," he said back then.

"I've been persona non grata for three-and-a-half years and already they are looking to talk to me."

Dr Taylor died a few days away from his 90th birthday.

"I know the whole community will be devastated," said Mr Ballinger.

"He fought to his dying day, really, for services to be reinstated and many have been. But not to the level Richard would liked to have seen it.

"He was more than a single issue MP. He cared about every issue affecting people's lives in the Wyre Forest. That's why he was elected for a second term."