Sir Tony Lloyd, Labour MP for Rochdale, Passes Away at 73
Sir Tony Lloyd, a dedicated public servant and Member of Parliament for Rochdale, has passed away peacefully at the age of 73. His family confirmed his death on Wednesday morning, just days after he publicly disclosed being diagnosed with an untreatable form of leukaemia.
In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed their devastation, sharing that Sir Tony died surrounded by loved ones, in accordance with his wishes. They expressed deep gratitude to the medical professionals who provided care during his illness and to the blood and platelet donors who contributed to extending his life by four years.
Tony Lloyd’s Remarkable Career in Public Service
Born on February 25, 1950, Sir Tony Lloyd dedicated his life to public service. He grew up in Stretford and pursued a B.Sc degree in mathematics from the University of Nottingham in 1972. Later, he obtained an MBA degree from Manchester Business School. Sir Tony transitioned to academia and became a lecturer in Business Studies at the University of Salford.
In 1974, Sir Tony married Judith Tear, and together they had three daughters and a son. His political career spanned an impressive 36 years as a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented Stretford from 1983 to 1997, Manchester Central from 1997 to 2012, and Rochdale from 2017 to 2024.
Sir Tony’s political journey began in 1983 when he first entered Parliament. Throughout the years, he represented various constituencies in the Greater Manchester region, earning respect across party lines for his dedication to public service. He also served as a foreign minister under Tony Blair and later chaired the parliamentary Labour Party, demonstrating his leadership within the Labour ranks.
In 2012, Sir Tony Lloyd took a five-year hiatus from Westminster to serve as Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner. Despite his notable contributions, he faced a defeat in the mayoral race against Andy Burnham in 2016.
Colleagues and Constituents Mourn Sir Tony Lloyd’s Passing
The news of Sir Tony’s passing has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Colleagues, constituents, and leaders from various parties have expressed their condolences. Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, led the tributes, acknowledging Sir Tony’s deep commitment to Labour values throughout his extensive political career.
“The death of Sir Tony Lloyd today is a terrible loss. We will remember his deep commitment to Labour values and his decency. May he rest in peace,” Starmer stated.
These sentiments were echoed by many who remembered Sir Tony’s contributions to both local and national politics. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also replied to the family’s announcement on X.
As the news spreads, colleagues are reminiscing about Sir Tony’s legacy, emphasizing his resilience and determination, particularly during his battle with leukaemia. Funeral arrangements for Sir Tony Lloyd are yet to be announced. The political community eagerly awaits details of the service, where colleagues, friends, and family will gather to pay their respects.
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