'Devastated' Lindsay Hoyle announces the death of his father Doug Hoyle, the former Labour MP, as Commons Leader says he is 'bereft' without his 'inspiration'

A 'devastated' Sir Lindsay Hoyle today announced the death of his father Doug Hoyle, the former Labour MP, at the age of 98.

The Commons Speaker said his father's death last night had left him 'bereft', as Sir Lindsay paid tribute to 'my inspiration' and a 'truly dedicated parliamentarian'.

Doug Hoyle first served as MP for Nelson and Colne, in Lancashire, between 1974 and 1979.

He then served as MP for Warrington between 1981 and 1997, before being ennobled as Lord Hoyle and going on to sit in the House of Lords.

In a statement posted on Twitter/X this morning, his son Sir Lindsay wrote: 'It is with great sorrow that I have to announce that my beloved father, Lord Doug Hoyle, passed away peacefully at home late last night with his family by his side.

'The whole family are devastated. There are few people who get to my age with their father still around – but I have been one of the lucky ones.'

Sir Lindsay added: 'His death last night has left me bereft – I have lost my dad, my inspiration and the country has lost a truly dedicated parliamentarian.

'Doug was a force to be reckoned with, first as MP for Nelson and Colne in 1974-1979, and then Warrington 1981-1997 – before he joined the House of Lords where he served until the age of 97 when he retired in 2023.

'He chaired the Parliamentary Labour Party and was an outspoken member of the ASTMS trade union, serving as president of both ASTMS and MSF.

'Doug loved his sport and as a massive rugby league fan, became chairman of Warrington Wolves in 1999, a position he held with great passion and honour.

'Today there is an empty armchair, an absence of ready wit, and one less animal lover in the world.

'Above all Doug was a family man and he will be greatly missed by myself, Catherine, Emma, the great grandchildren and the whole family.'

Fellow MPs sent their wishes to Sir Lindsay on social media, with Tory former minister Tracey Crouch posting: 'I'm so sorry to read this. Your Dad was always so lovely to me, even when he was taking the mick about Rhinos!! He'll be much missed at both ends of Parliament x.'

Wayne David, the Labour MP for Caerphilly, wrote: 'So sorry to hear this. Doug was a really staunch and proud democratic socialist, who I had the privilege of knowing.'