Josep Borrell pays tribute to Phillip Whitehead MEP

Phillip Whitehead - a much respected member of the European Parliament, died at home in Derbyshire, England, on 31 December following a heart attack. Mr Whitehead had been an MEP since 1994, first for Staffordshire East and Derby and, when constituency boundaries were changed, the East Midlands, which he represented until he died. 

Josep Borrell, President of the European Parliament, said: "Phillip Whitehead will be fondly remembered by Members, both for bringing his experience and expertise on television to legislation on the media, for his defence of the rights of consumers, and for his work in helping to make the historic enlargement to Central and Eastern Europe a reality.

As a lifelong campaigner on consumer rights, he was deservedly made Chair of the powerful Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection. In this role, he will be remembered for the wisdom, political skill and good humour he brought to bear in dealing with the controversial and complex Services Directive."

Prior to being elected an MEP, Phillip Whitehead worked in broadcasting and sat in the House of Commons as a Labour MP for Derby North from 1970-1983.

Unlike in the House of Commons, there will be no by-election following the death of Mr Whitehead. Elections to the European Parliament are by regional party list system, so the Labour seat in the East Midlands will be filled by the next available Labour candidate.