A veteran Labour MP and former minister Sir Tony Lloyd has stated he’s affected by an “untreatable” type of leukaemia.
Sir Tony, who served as a Foreign Office minister throughout Tony Blair’s first time period as PM, grew to become an MP in 1983 and has represented Rochdale since 2017. In an announcement posted on social media, Sir Tony stated he had been receiving chemotherapy for a type of blood most cancers but it surely was now untreatable.
He stated: “Unfortunately this has now transformed into an aggressive and untreatable form of leukaemia and I will be leaving hospital today to spend the time I have left with my family. I ask for privacy for both myself and my family at this time.” The 73-year-old MP additionally stated his workplace will stay open “to support my constituents”.
Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Sir Tony, who he stated was “admired and respected” throughout the celebration. The Labour chief stated: “I am deeply saddened by the update today from Sir Tony Lloyd on his illness. I know that sadness will be shared across the Labour Party and beyond. Tony has spent 40 years of his life in public service in many different roles. That lifelong sense of duty has seen him work tirelessly for local communities as an MP, ensure people’s safety as Police and Crime Commissioner in Manchester, and build stronger relationships across the country and around the world as a government minister and in the shadow cabinet.”
He added: “Tony’s election as chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party in 2006 showed the esteem in which he is held by colleagues. He is renowned for his kindness, his sense of fairness, his commitment to his principles and his thoughtfulness. Tony is admired and respected throughout the Labour Party, and we are indebted to him for his lifetime of service. Our thoughts are with him and his family at this time.”
Shadow Cabinet Minister Lucy Powell stated: “Such incredibly sad news that Tony is suffering from an aggressive and untreatable form of leukaemia. I know many people across Manchester Central – where he is regularly talked about & remembered fondly as the former MP – will want to send their very best wishes to him & his family. Take care.”
Labour MP Stella Creasy additionally expressed sympathies for the “heartbreaking news” whereas fellow Labour MP Matt Western added: “Sorry and saddened to read this. I know of no-one, personally, who has been through quite as much as you in recent years, Tony.”
Sir Tony, who beforehand represented the constituencies of Manchester Central and Stretford, served as chair of the parliamentary Labour Party between 2006 and 2010. He was knighted within the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2021.
A junior minister for a few of Sir Tony Blair’s first time period in workplace, he additionally held numerous key opposition roles throughout Jeremy Corbyn’s time as chief together with shadow housing minister and shadow secretary of state for Northern Ireland. In 2020, he was admitted to intensive care after contracting Covid-19.