VETERAN Labour MP Sir Tony Lloyd has died aged 73 just days after revealing his battle with untreatable leukaemia.
His family said they were “absolutely devastated” to announce his passing this morning – but paid tribute to a “life well lived”.
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A statement said: “He died peacefully this morning surrounded by his family, as was his wish.
“He was working until a few days before his death as his passion was helping others.”
Sir Tony served as the MP for Rochdale since 1983 and served as chair of the parliamentary Labour Party between 2006 and 2010 and as a junior minister under Sir Tony Blair.
Only last week he went public with his “untreatable” and “aggressive” form of leukaemia.
Tributes flooded in from across Westminster this afternoon as politicians of all parties paid their respects.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “The death of Sir Tony Lloyd today is a terrible loss.
“I know the entire Labour Party, and many beyond the Party, join me in sending our deepest condolences to Tony’s wife, Judith, his children, Siobhan, Angharad, Kieron and Ali, and his granddaughters, Carmen and Carys.”
Shadow Minister Jon Ashworth said: “So sorry to hear this. Tony did so much and was a hugely influential and respected figure in the Labour movement. My deepest condolences.”
Fellow Labour MP Anna McMorrin added: “So very sorry for your loss. A wonderful and kind-hearted person and I feel very honoured to have known him.”
Ex-Tory Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said: “May he rest in eternal peace.”
