Former Labour MP for Bassetlaw Joe Ashton dies

Former Labour MP Joe Ashton has died aged 86, his household has confirmed.

Mr Ashton, who was born in Sheffield, represented the Nottinghamshire seat of Bassetlaw for 33 years from 1968-2001.

In addition to being a politician, Mr Ashton turned a columnist, an writer and a playwright in addition to director of Sheffield Wednesday soccer membership.

His dying was unrelated to the coronavirus pandemic, and his household stated he had been been struggling with dementia.

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There will probably be no public funeral due to the present restrictions, nevertheless a memorial service is because of happen later within the yr.

Bedside restrictions

His daughter, journalist Lucy Ashton, stated on Twitter: “My dad has handed away.

“I wasn’t capable of be with him on the finish due to Covid-19.

“The funeral will simply be me and my husband and I can not even purchase flowers.

“So I wrote this as a result of it is the one approach I will pay tribute to him and say goodbye. RIP Dad.”

He was appointed OBE for public service in 2007.

John Mann, Mr Ashton’s successor as MP for Bassetlaw, tweeted: “Joe Ashton, who died immediately, Bassetlaw MP 1968-01.

“Considered one of his final constituent MP letters started: ‘you’re a pillock and a prat’. Old style, plain talking, trustworthy.”

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