Speaker of the House of Commons 'deprived' after father Lord Doug Hoyle's death

Lord Doug Hoyle was a Labor MP under Harold Wilson

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said he “& #39; deprived» following the death of his father, Lord Doug Hoyle, aged 98.

Lord Hoyle was a Labor MP for 21 years, representing Nelson and Colne from 1974 to 1979, Warrington from 1981 to 1981 year. 1983 and Warrington North from 1983 to 1997

He was chairman of the Parliamentary Labor Party during his last five years in the House of Commons under John Smith and then Sir Tony Blair.

In a statement, Sir Lindsay, 66, said his father died peacefully in his home. home on Saturday night, surrounded by his family.

“The whole family is devastated,” he said. “Not many people make it to my age with their father still around, but I was one of the lucky ones.

“His death last night left me bereft — I lost my father, my family. inspiration, and the country has lost a truly dedicated MP.»

Lord Hoyle listens to speakers at the Blackpool Labor conference 1996 Photo: Independent/Alamy Stock Photo

Sir Lindsay described his father as «a force to be reckoned with», praising him as an «outspoken» trade unionist who was president of the Scientific, Technical and Management Association before entering frontline politics.

“Today the world has an empty chair, a lack of wit and one less animal lover,” he said. “Above all, Doug was a family man and he will be greatly missed by me, Katherine, Emma, ​​his great-grandchildren and his entire family.”

Lord Hoyle was born in Chorley, a Lancashire market town which his son has represented in the House of Commons since 1997. He was a founding member of the LFI in the 1950s and was elevated to Lordship in 1999, where he remained until announcing his retirement. last year.

Away from politics he was described as a «big» rugby league fan and became chairman of Warrington Wolves in 1999.

He held the post for 10 years and left resign. at the height of their popularity as the team won the 2009 Challenge Cup, beating Huddersfield Giants at Wembley Stadium.

The Hoyle family at Sir Lindsay's first speech as Speaker in 2019. Photo: Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labor Party, led the party's tribute, saying: “Lord Doug Hoyle was a Labor man in every way, an outstanding parliamentarian and a tenacious campaigner.

< p>“He was highly respected, having been elected Chairman of the PLP and then elevated to the House of Lords. A trade unionist, co-founder of LFI [Labour Friends of Israel] and a Warrington Wolves fanatic, he had a long-standing commitment to the city, but above all he was a family man.

“We will really miss him. All our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Speaker, Catherine, Emma and his family.»

Charlotte Nichols, current Labor MP for Warrington North, said: «As well as being an icon and the best advocate Warrington's history, as MP for Warrington North and President of Warrington Wolves, he was a friend to all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing forever.”