Sir Tony Lloyd obituary: 40 years of service to Greater Manchester

Rochdale and Greater Manchester mourn the passing of a political stalwart, Sir Tony Lloyd, who dedicated over four decades of his life to public service.

Sir Tony Lloyd represented three different constituencies in the Manchester area for a total of 36 years across five decades, earning him the nickname “Mr. Manchester.”

He also served five years as the elected police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Greater Manchester before returning to the Commons in 2017 as the member for Rochdale.

Sir Tony Lloyd

The veteran Labour MP for Rochdale, who succumbed to an aggressive form of leukaemia at the age of 73, leaves behind a legacy of commitment to his constituents and the principles he held dear.

Born in Stretford, Greater Manchester, in 1950, Sir Tony’s journey was marked by a profound dedication to improving the lives of others. After completing his education at the University of Nottingham, where he studied mathematics, he returned to Manchester to earn an MBA.

Later, he became a business studies lecturer at the University of Salford, setting the stage for a career defined by both academic prowess and a deep sense of social responsibility.

Sir Tony entered the political arena in 1979 when he secured a seat on the Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council.

However, his passion for serving his community quickly propelled him into national politics. From 1983 to 1997, he represented his hometown of Stretford in the national arena, demonstrating a tireless commitment to the values he held dear.

Lloyd was known for his principled stands, including voting against the Iraq war, detention of suspected terrorists without trial, student tuition fees, and the renewal of the Trident nuclear missile.

Throughout his political career, Sir Tony embodied the Labour Party’s core principles, advocating for justice, fairness, and the betterment of society. His impact reached far beyond the political spectrum, earning him the respect and admiration of colleagues, constituents, and political adversaries alike.

In his final months, facing the relentless challenges of leukaemia, Sir Tony demonstrated incredible resilience and selflessness. Despite his personal struggles, he remained devoted to the people he served. His last message, expressing a desire to spend his remaining time with family while ensuring continued support for his constituents, reflects the true essence of his character.

Sir Keir Starmer pays tribute to Sir Tony Lloyd

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer aptly captured the sentiment shared by many: “The death of Sir Tony Lloyd today is a terrible loss. We will remember his deep commitment to Labour values and his decency. In the Labour Party, we will honor his legacy of service to others and his commitment to justice. May he rest in peace.”

Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne added: “I’m heartbroken. Tony was not just a kind colleague, but a dedicated friend and rock of support to so many of us, thinking of his constituents right to the end.

“His loss is deeply felt by the whole Labour family. My love goes out to his family and to all those who knew him.”

Memories of the man

Sir Tony’s passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, with tributes pouring in from across the political spectrum. Colleagues remember him not only as a dedicated public servant but as a kind and supportive friend.

His legacy of kindness, caring nature, and dedication to community and country will undoubtedly endure in the annals of Greater Manchester’s political history.

As we bid farewell to a true statesman, may Sir Tony Lloyd rest in peace, his contributions forever etched in the collective memory of a grateful community.