‘Inspirational’: Tributes to Tony Lloyd after death of MP ‘dedicated to service’

Tributes have been paid to the Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd after his family announced his death after an illness.

The 73-year-old had said on X (previously Twitter) recently that he had been receiving treatment for blood cancer for some time, but that it had turned into an “aggresive and untreatable” leukaemia.

A statement from the family of Sir Tony Lloyd MP pic.twitter.com/6ag07VFYd6

— Tony Lloyd MP (@tony4rochdale) January 17, 2024

His family said in a statement that he “died peacefully” this morning, and had been working until a few days ago as “his passion was helping others”.

“He devoted his life to serving and making a difference to the lives of those he met,” they added.

Labour leader Keir Starmer called it a “terrible loss”, and expressed his “deepest condolences” to his family. He praised Lloyd’s “devotion to his country”.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Tony Lloyd’s death.

“He dedicated his life to public service and improving the lives of the people he served. I will miss his friendship and his advice. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”

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. pic.twitter.com/jgcAEghM2F

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 17, 2024

Fellow Labour MP Debbie Abrahams said: “I am utterly devastated by the news that my friend and colleague Sir Tony Lloyd has passed away.

“Tony was an inspirational person and Parliamentarian. His compassion, humility and gentle manner made him so well liked on all sides.”

His death is likely to trigger another parliamentary by-election.

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