Commons speaker recalls final phone call with 'great man of Manchester' Sir Tony Lloyd

The speaker of the House of Commons has recalled the final phone conversation he had with veteran Labour MP Sir Tony Lloyd before he died last week aged 73.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle didn't reveal what they spoke about, but hailed a 'great colleague and friend' - describing Sir Tony as 'one of the nicest, most effective MPs'.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, led tributes today as the House gathered to pay their respects to the MP for Rochdale. Sir Tony's family watched on from the chamber - and some MPs were seen to wipe away tears as he was described by the PM as 'a great man of Manchester'.

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The former Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester announced he had developed 'aggressive and untreatable leukaemia' and had made the decision to leave hospital to 'spend the time I have left with my family'. A public statement issued by his family said they had been left 'devastated' by his death.

Speaker Sir Lindsay recalled his final phone call with Sir Tony after he left hospital, saying: "Tony made it so easy for me and he was that kind of person – he put me at ease when it was meant to be the other way around.

"He made sure it wasn't a difficult conversation. I didn't know that would be the last time we'd ever speak but I'm so glad we did. We've not only lost a great colleague and friend, the country has lost one of the nicest, most effective MPs."

Prime Minister Mr Sunak said Sir Tony was an 'enormously decent man who gave his life to public service', adding: "In his penultimate contribution in this House, Tony said that change can happen and we must fight for the change we want to see. From the beginning of his career right to the end, Tony Lloyd