07 April 2024 , 14:45
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Tributes have poured in as Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle announced the death of his dad and former Labour MP Lord Doug Hoyle.
In a statement Sir Lindsay said he was devastated after his dad passed away peacefully at the age of 98 with his family by his side on Saturday evening. He said: "There are few people who get to my age with their father still around – but I have been one of the lucky ones. His death last night has left me bereft – I have lost my dad, my inspiration and the country has lost a truly dedicated parliamentarian."
Paying tribute to his dad, the MP for Nelson and Colne between 1974 and 1979 and Warrington between 1981 and 1997, Sir Lindsay said he was a "force to be reckoned with". The former chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party who later joined the House of Lords was also an "outspoken" trade unionist, Sir Lindsay said.
He said: "Doug loved his sport and as a massive Rugby League fan, became chairman of Warrington Wolves in 1999, a position he held with great passion and honour."
The former Labour MP Doug Hoyle - pictured in 1993 -who has died aged 98 (PA)Posting on Twitter /X Sir Lindsay also shared a photo of his dad sitting in an armchair alongside the Speaker's wife, Catherine. Sir Lindsay added:"Today there is an empty armchair, an absence of ready wit, and one less animal lover in the world. Above all Doug was a family man and he will be greatly missed by myself, Catherine, Emma, the great grandchildren and the whole family."
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Labour leader Keir Starmer said: "Lord Doug Hoyle was Labour through and through. A distinguished parliamentarian and tenacious campaigner, serving as both a Member of Parliament for Nelson and Colne, and then Warrington."
He added: "A trade unionist, co-founder of LFI and Warrington Wolves fanatic, he had a long standing commitment to the Town, but above everything, he was a family man. We will truly miss him. All our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Speaker, Catherine, Emma and his family".
Labour frontbencher Lucy Powell said: "Such sad news. Doug was a big political character in the Labour Party for decades - a proud Northerner who made a real impact and represented Labour’s traditions. My thoughts are with Lindsay and the whole family who cherished and cared for him so dearly in his later years."