MP Tony Lloyd leaves hospital to spend time he 'has left with family' as blood cancer develops into 'aggressive and untreatable leukaemia'

The veteran Labour politician said his office will remain open 'to support his constituents'

Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd has announced that he has made the decision to leave hospital after his cancer developed into an 'aggressive and untreatable leukaemia'.

The member of parliament, who is also a former Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester, has asked for privacy as he spends ' the time I have left with my family'. In a statement, he said his office will remain open to support his constituents.

It comes after Mr Lloyd said he was undergoing a course of chemotherapy for blood cancer earlier in the year. Today (January 11) Mr Lloyd, formerly an MP for Stretford, said he had been receiving treatment 'for some time'.

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"I have been receiving treatment for some time for a form of blood cancer which has been controlled by chemotherapy," it reads. "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. My office will remain open to continue to support my constituents."

In 2021 Mr Lloyd announced he was in remission from blood cancer and described how the kindness of strangers - as well as the support of his loved ones and skill of the medical professions - has been invaluable in his fight for life.

He said at the time: “I’m genuinely so grateful to so many people who have been there for me. It’s the obvious people - those in my family, my loved-ones, those who thought of me, those who quite literally prayed for me during the worst times I was ill.

“But actually it was all manner of people. I had a number of blood transfusions [as part of his cancer treatment] and I will never know how those people were. But what amazing people - they almost certainly saved my life."

However, in January 2023 he said he would be undergoing further treatment for the cancer, saying it was his 'ambition to get back to normal' but he would 'concentrate on getting better'.

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I am deeply saddened by the update Tony has provided on his illness. Tony’s life has been one of truly outstanding public service; trusted, respected and admired across the political divide, He has always led the way in fighting injustice, campaigning for equality, and as a powerful advocate for peace and tolerance, at home and abroad. Creating a fairer, more just, equitable society is what moves him.

"Tony is an exceptional Member of Parliament for Rochdale, held in high esteem across the community for his decency, principled stances and thoughtful approach. He is someone I, and countless others, have always admired and valued as a longstanding friend, colleague and campaigner. On behalf of my councillor colleagues, the whole council and the community, I want to send my love and best wishes to Tony and his family at this difficult time.”

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.

“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.”