Labour MP Tony Lloyd says he's suffering from 'untreatable' form of leukaemia
A veteran Labour MP and former minister Sir Tony Lloyd has said he is suffering from an "untreatable" form of leukaemia.
Sir Tony, who served as a Foreign Office minister during Tony Blair's first term as PM, became an MP in 1983 and has represented Rochdale since 2017. In a statement posted on social media, Sir Tony said he had been receiving chemotherapy for a form of blood cancer but it was now untreatable.
He said: "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 also said his office will remain open "to support my constituents".
Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Sir Tony, who he said was "admired and respected" across the party. The Labour leader said: "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."
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Shadow Cabinet Minister Lucy Powell said: "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 also expressed sympathies for the "heartbreaking news" while 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 previously represented the constituencies of Manchester Central and Stretford, served as chair of the parliamentary Labour Party between 2006 and 2010. He was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2021.
A junior minister for some of Sir Tony Blair's first term in office, he also held a number of key opposition roles during Jeremy Corbyn's time as leader including shadow housing minister and shadow secretary of state for Northern Ireland. In 2020, he was admitted to intensive care after contracting Covid-19.
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