Doug Naysmith: Former Bristol North West MP Dies Aged 82
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Doug Naysmith, a former Labour MP, at the age of 82. Naysmith served as the Member of Parliament for Bristol North West from 1997 to 2010 and left a lasting impact on both his constituency and the Labour Party.
In a joint statement, Bristol’s Labour MPs Darren Jones, Kerry McCarthy, Karin Smyth, and Thangam Debbonaire paid tribute to Naysmith, describing him as a “proud Scotsman” who had made a significant contribution to Bristol and the party. Jones, who experienced Naysmith’s support firsthand, recalled how the former MP encouraged him to persevere after his unsuccessful bid for a seat in 2015, advising him to keep going.
Before his parliamentary career, Naysmith served as a city councillor and represented the Hillfields ward from 1981 to 1998. His journey towards Parliament began in 1987 when he first ran for a seat in the Cirencester and Tewkesbury constituency, finishing third. In 1992, he narrowly lost to the incumbent Tory MP for Bristol North West, Michael Stern. However, Naysmith’s determination prevailed, and he emerged victorious in the 1997 general election, defeating Stern. He went on to secure two more wins before deciding not to stand for re-election in 2010.
Following his departure from Westminster, Naysmith continued to serve the community as the representative for Avonmouth on the Bristol City Council from 2010 to 2014. One interesting episode during his time as a councilor was the “lucky dip” ballot, where Naysmith and Conservative candidate Spud Murphy both received 1,878 votes. After three recounts, Naysmith’s name was pulled out of the ballot box by the returning officer, granting him an extra vote and reaffirming his commitment to public service.
In their heartfelt statement, the MPs expressed their deep appreciation for Naysmith’s decades of dedicated public service. They extended their condolences to his family and friends, recognizing the difficult time they are going through.
Darren Jones, who shared a close bond with Naysmith, took to Twitter to share a personal anecdote. He revealed that Naysmith had advised him to shave off his beard, humorously suggesting that politicians with beards might receive fewer votes. This lighthearted moment underscores the camaraderie and friendship that characterized their relationship.
Kerry McCarthy, another colleague who worked closely with Naysmith, highlighted his expertise in science and health policy, emphasizing his valuable contributions to parliamentary debates and discussions on these critical matters.
As we mourn the loss of Doug Naysmith, we reflect on his unwavering commitment to public service and his impact on Bristol and the Labour Party. His legacy will be remembered and cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.