Harry Harpham

Robert Harry Harpham (21 February 1954 – 4 February 2016) was a British Labour Party politician and coal miner. He was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough from the May 2015 general election until he died nine months later. He was succeeded by his widow, Gill Furniss, as the MP for the seat at the ensuing by-election.

Early life and education Harpham was born on 21 February 1954 in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England.

Political career In 2000, Harpham was elected to Sheffield City Council, serving as a councillor for Manor ward. He represented Darnall ward from 2004 onwards,

Harpham was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough in the 2015 general election. He was one of the final deep coal miners ever to enter parliament. He was one of 125 MPs who employed a member of their family, in his case, employing his wife as a part-time researcher. He supported Andy Burnham in the 2015 Labour leadership election, in which Burnham came second to Jeremy Corbyn. He served as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Lisa Nandy, then the shadow energy secretary in Corbyn's shadow cabinet.

Death Harpham was diagnosed with terminal cancer in October 2015. He died on 4 February 2016, aged 61. On 16 February 2016, a non-religious funeral was held for him at Sheffield Cathedral. Harpham's widow Gill Furniss, a member of Sheffield City Council, won the by-election caused by his death as Labour's candidate.