A senior Labour member of the House of Lords has died while swimming in a river, local police have confirmed. Lord Lipsey, 77, was recovered from the River Wye in Wales this morning following a report from a concerned onlooker.
A spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report concerning the safety of a man who was last seen swimming in the River Wye, Glasbury. Following a multi-agency search on July 1, sadly, we can confirm the body of Lord David Lipsey was recovered. His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. They have asked for their privacy to be respected.”
While Lord Lipsey was not a household name, some of his work will be well-known to fans of British politics.
The then-political advisor is credited with coining the phrases “Winter of Discontent” and “New Labour”.
He served as Jim Callaghan’s No. 10 speechwriter, and chief political advisor, however was put off standing for parliament by a row with his local Labour branch in Streatham.
Eventually he moved into journalism, becoming political editor of the economist before being elevated to the Lords in 1999.
He was a patron of the Glasbury Arts Festival, a trustee of the Cambrian Orchestra Trust, and a keen champion of greyhound racing.
Reacting to his death, journalist Stephan Pollard said: “I got to know David when I was at the Fabian Society. He had a forensic mind and you really needed to know your stuff with him, bit there was always an impish grin in the background – and often in the foreground.”
The Betting and Gaming Council said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lord Lipsey. A distinguished public servant, passionate advocate for racing, with a love for greyhounds. He was a valued voice in debates. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this time.”