The death of Labour MP David Taylor may not lead to a by-election in his North West Leicestershire constituency.
The 63-year-old, who was first elected in 1997, died on Boxing Day after he suffered a heart attack while out walking in Calke Abbey, Derbyshire, with his family.
In 2007 he was named Backbencher of the Year at The House Magazine awards.
A member of the chairmen's panel committee and the environment, food and rural affairs committee, Taylor also chaired the all-party parliamentary group on smoking and health.
He had already announced he would not stand at the next election.
While it is usual practice for a writ for a by-election to be moved within two or three months of the death of a member, there is no legal requirement to do so.
By-elections have been delayed in the past because of an imminent general election.
With speculation that the general election may be called as soon as March 25, it has been widely reported that the government will opt to delay the vote in North West Leicestershire until the national polling day.
A Labour party spokesman said it is "much to soon" to discuss the timing of any by-election.
Taylor's majority in 2005 was 4,477 and the seat is 81st on the Conservative party's target list.
When Speaker Michael Martin resigned in June, the government delayed the by-election in his Glasgow North East constituency until November.
Prime minister Gordon Brown has paid tribute to Taylor, who leaves a wife, Pamela, and four daughters.
"David has been a strong campaigner and when I visited his constituency a few weeks ago I found enormous respect and admiration for what he has achieved," said Brown.
He praised Taylor's "indefatigable campaigning, constant attendance in the Commons and his independence of mind - no greater tribute can be made to David's lasting legacy as a local champion for North West Leicestershire".
Article Comments
The Government should not have the power to delay by-elections and deprive constituents of the right to their own MP in order to gain what it perceives as political advantage for itself. The law should require a by-election to be held within two months.
2nd Jan 2010 at 4:38 pm by Grahame Leon-Smith
