By James Tapsfield, Political Editor For Mailonline
12:49 16 Feb 2024, updated 12:54 16 Feb 2024
Keir Starmer and Gordon Brown were among senior Labour figures paying respects at the funeral of former Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd today.
Sir Keir shunned celebrations of his double by-election success to attend the service for his colleague in Manchester.
Former PM Mr Brown, deputy leader Angela Rayner, shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper, and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham were also there.
Sir Tony died on January 17 aged 73, just days after announcing that he was suffering from an incurable form of leukaemia.
MPs paid emotional tributes in the Commons last month, describing the ex-minister as a ‘great man’ and ‘enormously decent’.
Sir Tony was an MP for 36 years in total, representing Stretford and Manchester Central and rising to chair the Parliamentary Labour Party.
He stepped down to become police and crime commissioner in 2012 and then interim Manchester mayor.
He returned to Parliament by winning Rochdale in 2017, having lost out on the mayoral candidacy to Mr Burnham.
In the House last month, Rishi Sunak said Sir Tony was an ‘enormously decent man who gave his life to public service’.
‘He was a great family man, a great man of Manchester and a great man of the House of Commons.
‘He will be missed but he and the change he fought for and achieved will never be forgotten.’
Sir Keir told Sir Tony’s family: ‘I hope they see just how much Tony was loved and respected here in this House and how much he managed to achieve in his decades of public service.’
The by-election for a new MP in Rochdale is due to take place on February 26, with Labour having disowned its candidate Azhar Ali in a row over allegedly anti-Semitic comments.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
