Sir Lindsay Hoyle announces the death of his father, former Labour MP Doug Hoyle

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has announced the death of his father, former Labour MP Doug Hoyle, aged 98.

The former MP, ennobled as Lord Hoyle in 1997, was a long-serving MP.

Sir Lindsay described his father as a “truly dedicated parliamentarian”, adding he felt he had lost his best friend.

In a statement, the Commons Speaker said: “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.

“His death last night has left me bereft – I have lost my dad, my inspiration and the country has lost a truly dedicated parliamentarian.”

“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.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “Lord Doug Hoyle was Labour through and through. A distinguished parliamentarian and a tenacious campaigner, serving as both a Member of Parliament for Nelson and Colne, and then Warrington.

“He was greatly respected, being elected as chair of the PLP, before being elevated to the House of Lords.

“A trade unionist, co-founder of LFI and Warrington Wolves fanatic, he had a long standing commitment to the town, but above everything, he was a family man.

“We will truly miss him. All of our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Speaker, Catherine, Emma and his family.”