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Tributes to Sir Tony Lloyd
23 January 2024
Lead MP
Lindsay Hoyle
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 32
At a Glance
Lindsay Hoyle raised concerns about tributes to sir tony lloyd in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Honoured the memory of Sir Tony Lloyd, a long-serving MP who was dedicated to public service and international affairs. Mentioned his contributions as shadow Foreign Affairs Minister, Member for Stretford and Manchester Central, and PCC of Greater Manchester. Emphasised his kindness, humour, and commitment to Labour values.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Paid tribute to Sir Tony Lloyd's dedication to public service and his work against violence against women. Highlighted his commitment to Manchester United, his wit, and the high regard he held among colleagues and staff. Mentioned his last conversation with Tony and his final article on hopes for 2024.
Rishi Sunak
Con
Richmond and Northallerton
Offered condolences to Sir Tony Lloyd's family and praised him as a man of integrity, compassion, and humour. Recognised his service in local government and foreign affairs and quoted from his final speech emphasising the importance of fighting for change.
Marion Fellows
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Sent condolences to Tony's family and shared a personal anecdote about the humorous nature of Tony Lloyd. She emphasised his dedication to public service.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Worthing West
Quoted Tony Lloyd’s words emphasising the basic morality in politics, recommending that everyone coming into this place should try to earn similar tributes as Tony Lloyd did.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Emphasised Tony's dedication to public service and his role in improving community relations. Highlighted his stance on various issues including the Glazers' ownership of Manchester United, policing methods in Moss Side, and his work as police and crime commissioner.
Bill Cash
Con
Stone
Paid tribute to Tony Lloyd for his courtesy and independence of mind. Mentioned Tony’s contributions towards commemorating John Bright's historical significance.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Honoured Tony Lloyd as a kind, respectful individual who worked across party lines to improve the lives of Manchester residents. Emphasised his internationalist beliefs and principled pragmatism.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
I feel humbled to be able to speak about Tony. He shadowed me when I was Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and it was always a pleasure and an honour to be able to have a private conversation with him. We could have a proper, open, frank conversation behind the scenes. Every single time we spoke there was something new—there was a different perspective that Tony gave me, a different way of thinking about things, and he helped me enormously in the task we both had to try to restore devolved government to Northern Ireland. After that time we remained close and would regularly chat about Northern Ireland and what was going on. We always had a great conversation and he was always generous and warm and witty. I was very honoured that last month he was able to co-host with me an event that the British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union held to mark the 75th anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights. Tony being Tony, he went around every stall; every possible person met him, and they knew that he was engaged and listening to them, which is a rare quality in the people we come across.
I met Tony about 30 years ago in the run-up to the 1997 general election. I thought then, and have continued to think ever since, what a tolerant and restrained man he was, even when he felt strongly. He took over as chair of the parliamentary Labour party at a time when tensions between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown were at their sharpest. He was able to guide the PLP through that period. It is extraordinary to think that when Tony came into this place, Michael Foot was leader of the Labour party. I remember Tony telling me many years ago that as a young boy, he saw the Busby babes play, with the great Duncan Edwards. In conclusion, Tony’s tolerance and restraint were an exemplar. There are an awful lot of people—not just in here, but outside as well—who could usefully learn a few lessons from Tony.
I add my condolences to those of colleagues; Tony was a man who commanded universal respect across the House and beyond. It was an absolute pleasure to work closely with him during his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester. He proved to be the perfect inaugural Mayor with his easy-going charm and ability to work well not only with the three parties who were leading the boroughs of Greater Manchester, but with a Conservative Government. The experience he had of this place and of ministerial office built the confidence in the role of Mayor of Greater Manchester—the confidence that it could be entrusted with powers and responsibilities devolved from this place. Without his sure-footed leadership, not only the mayoralty of Greater Manchester but those of other city regions might not have taken root in the way that they have.
I first met Tony Lloyd in 1988. He helped us arrange a showing of Amnesty International artwork to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the UN declaration of human rights at Manchester central library. We managed to have a fantastic launch event, featuring Tony and some actors from “Coronation Street”. The wholeheartedness with which he supported what we wanted to do was typical of Tony. He was the MP for Stretford and later became the MP for Rochdale. In all those roles, Tony had a substantial influence on our political life, particularly in Greater Manchester and the north-west. I thank him for his friendship and support across the years.
I am not going to talk for long, because a lot of people knew Tony better than I did, but for the past four years I had the privilege of sharing a borough with him. He was a parliamentarian’s parliamentarian, but he was also a fantastic local community representative. If we are talking about the spirit of co-operativism that is Rochdale, Tony embodied that. This was a man who gave his all for something he really cared about.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Recalls his friendship with Tony Lloyd from the early days of their political careers, highlighting Lloyd's dedication to encouraging young people into politics and supporting them in standing for what they believe in. Emphasises Lloyd's contributions as a socialist and an internationalist who fought for social justice and was exceptional in public service.
Speaks of his time serving with Tony Lloyd on the International Trade Committee, describing him as kind, generous, and impartial. Remembers Lloyd's positive outlook despite illness and recounts a humorous anecdote shared between them to illustrate Lloyd's sense of humour.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Expresses condolences to Tony Lloyd’s family and staff, sharing his long-standing relationship with Lloyd as a colleague and mentor. Highlights Lloyd's contributions in Greater Manchester across various roles including councillor, MP, police and crime commissioner, and interim Mayor.
Honours Tony Lloyd for setting an example of how Members should serve the wider public regardless of party interests. Recalls his experiences working with Lloyd in different capacities within Parliament, appreciating Lloyd's advice and guidance.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Pays tribute to Tony Lloyd for meeting with innocent victims of terrorism, demonstrating empathy and patience. Recalls Lloyd’s initiative to meet these individuals again after his official responsibilities had ended, showcasing his commitment to justice and mercy.
Salford
Tony was a dedicated public servant who rarely sought personal credit and was deeply committed to helping people. His career reflected his dedication to public service, and he was loved for his kindness and humility. Friends and colleagues shared stories of Tony's warmth and commitment, including Ian Stewart, Andy McDonald, Paul Dennett, and others.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Tony Lloyd was a giant in Greater Manchester politics with an unparalleled record of public service. His contributions were thoughtful and principled, and he was deeply respected across the House. He will be missed by the local community for his presence on Beech Road and at local pubs.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Tony Lloyd embodied politics as public service, working tirelessly to improve people's lives. He was deeply humble, conscientious, and compassionate, showing empathy in dealing with women affected by violence and a mum who lost her son to murder.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Sir Tony was a remarkable figure who inspired many in the Labour party and beyond. He was kind, dedicated to community work, and committed to socialism and internationalism.
Andrew Western
Lab
Stretford and Urmston
Andrew Western paid tribute to Sir Tony's local contributions and his dedication to public service. He highlighted Tony’s respect for working-class people, his inclusiveness as a leader, and his support for colleagues in difficult times.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Eastwood shared memories of Sir Tony's involvement with Northern Ireland and his commitment to truth, justice, and peace. He praised Tony’s tolerance, restraint, and dedication to advocating for the voiceless until the end.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Mike Kane announced a Catholic mass at 6 pm tomorrow in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft for the repose of Sir Tony's soul, conveying Father Alexander’s message to the House.
Karin Smyth
Lab
Bristol South
Recalls her experiences working with Tony Lloyd as a shadow Northern Ireland Minister, highlighting his professionalism and pragmatism. She emphasises the positive impact he had on the team's dynamic and decision-making processes.
Hayes and Harlington
Praises Tony Lloyd for being a key figure in bridging the gap between the Labour leadership and trade union movement. He acknowledges Lloyd’s role in plotting political strategies that aligned with the party's principles, notably his opposition to the Iraq war.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Shares her personal memories of Tony Lloyd's support when she first entered Parliament. She recounts how he made her feel valued and reassured during difficult times.
Marie Rimmer
Lab
St Helens South and Whiston
Expresses deep respect for Tony Lloyd, highlighting his kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others. She mentions his recent advocacy for Belarus's freedom and democracy.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Honours Tony Lloyd’s leadership during the expenses scandal, praising his calmness and ability to influence outcomes positively. He also acknowledges Lloyd’s significant role in supporting Colombia's peace process.
Walsall South
Margaret Greenwood paid tribute to Tony Lloyd for his warmth, integrity, and passion for people. She remembered how he would take the time to listen to constituents and was always genuinely caring towards them, both in his constituency work and beyond.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow North West
Chris Stephens highlighted Tony Lloyd's personality as a great character with wit and charm. He recalled discussions about the importance of tracking full moon dates for constituency work and mentioned Lloyd's love for Glasgow, his Irish roots, and his commitment to issues like human rights in Colombia.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon expressed condolences to Tony Lloyd’s family and highlighted the friendship between him and Lloyd. He noted their shared respect for Northern Ireland despite political differences, emphasising Lloyd's advocacy for human rights and his personal faith.
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