A FORMER East Lancs MP and peer has died at the age of 98.

Lord Doug Hoyle died at home last night surrounded by his family, according to his son, Chorley MP and Commons Deputy Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

The peer was a chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party from 1992 to 1997 and was still in the House of Lords until last year.

Sir Lindsay 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.

Lord Hoyle had made two attempts to become an MP in East Lancs before his eventual election - standing unsuccessfully for the Clitheroe seat in 1964 then Nelson and Colne in 1970.

But he was eventually elected for Nelson and Colne in October 1974.

He narrowly lost this seat in 1979 but returned to the House of Commons in 1981, defeating SDP veteran Roy Jenkins and securing Warrington North.

Lord Hoyle was one of the Cheshire town's two MPs until 1997, when he was made a life peer.

He was also a member of the ASTMS trade union, serving as president of both ASTMS and MSF.

Sir Lindsay added: "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."