The family of former MP Dr Richard Taylor have paid tribute to a "marvellous man who was loved by all" following his death aged 89. 

The retired hospital consultant stood as an independent candidate for Wyre Forest in the 2001 general election and played an instrumental role in the campaign to restore services at Kidderminster Hospital after becoming "incredibly frustrated" at the cuts to the NHS. 

The father-of-four was elected on the strength of local concern about the future of Kidderminster Hospital which he campaigned to save, particularly the A&E department which was ultimately downgraded. 

After a successful campaign which gained huge community support, Dr Taylor won the Wyre Forest seat from incumbent Labour MP David Lock with an incredible 17,630 majority. 

It was a moment that he had previously described as incredibly "moving" as he promised constituents that he would have their needs recognised. 

His family have thanked the community for their support His family have thanked the community for their support (Image: NQ)

He passed away last Wednesday (June 26) just days away from his 90th birthday. 

There has since been an outpouring of support from the community with his family thanking the people of Kidderminster for their "outpouring of love". 

His wife Chris Taylor said: "Richard's dedication to the local community and NHS was more than matched by his dedication to his family. He was a marvellous husband, father and grandfather who was loved by us all.

"The outpouring of love from everyone - especially normal people in the streets of Kidderminster and the many charities and causes he supported - has been a great comfort.

"Many thanks to everyone for their support and tributes. He will be sadly missed."

Dr Taylor held onto his seat in the 2005 general election with a smaller majority of 5,250 but lost his seat to the Conservatives in 2010. He later stood in the 2015 general election aged 80. 

As well as an influential political career, the campaigner was also the life president of the Independent Community and Health Concern party and went on to co-found The National Health Action Party, which seeks to safeguard the NHS. 

Dr Richard Taylor at a Leukaemia Care royal visit in 2019 Dr Richard Taylor at a Leukaemia Care royal visit in 2019 (Image: Leukaemia Care)

The grandfather-of-five was also president of Leukaemia Care for more than 15 years with the charity paying tribute to his "passion" in advocating for improved support services for leukaemia patients. 

Monica Izmajlowicz, COO of Leukaemia Care, said: "Richard dedicated 15 years as president to Leukaemia Care and was a keen supporter of our patient conferences which he chaired and could always be found table hopping and chatting with patients and their families. 

"A warm and charming person, he was a staunch advocate for leukaemia patients and a man who embodied the six core NHS values of care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment.  We will miss our friend and are grateful he chose to support our work."

He was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 2014 for his services to the community in Worcestershire, especially to Kidderminster Hospital. 

At the time of receiving the honour, he said: "I think really the proudest achievement is, after two terms as an MP, that I can still walk around Kidderminster and be greeted like a friend." 

Dr Taylor leaves behind his loving wife Chris, four children and five grandchildren as well as a lasting legacy in the Kidderminster community and beyond.