Oldham MPs have paid tribute after the MP for Rochdale, Sir Tony Lloyd, died at his home this morning (January 17).

In a statement posted to Sir Tony's account on X, formerly known as Twitter, his family said: “We are absolutely devastated to announce the death of Sir Tony Lloyd MP, our beloved ‘Joe,’ ‘Dad’ and ‘Grandad’.

“He died peacefully this morning surrounded by his family, as was his wish.”

Last week, the veteran MP, 73, announced that he was suffering from an incurable form of leukaemia.

Following his death, Oldham MPs have paid tribute to Sir Tony.

In a post shared on X, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, Debbie Abrahams, said: "I am utterly devastated by the news that my friend and colleague Sir Tony Lloyd has passed away.

"Tony was an inspirational person and Parliamentarian. His compassion, humility and gentle manner made him so well liked on all sides."

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MP for Ashton-under-Lyne and Failsworth, Angela Rayner, said she was "heartbroken" by the news.

The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party said: "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."

Sir Tony was first elected as an MP in 1983 for Stretford and also served for Manchester Central, before being elected as the MP for Rochdale in 2017.

His more prominent roles included him serving as a minister for foreign affairs between 1997 and 1999, as well as the shadow housing minister and chair of the parliamentary Labour party.

Sir Tony also served as the first Mayor for Greater Manchester between 2015 and 2017 on an interim basis.