Keir Starmer has paid tribute to a “Labour through and through” former MP.

Lord Doug Hoyle, MP for Warrington North from 1981 until 1997, has died aged 98.

Leader of the Opposition, Sir Keir is the latest to share his memories of Lord Hoyle.

He said: “Lord Doug Hoyle was Labour through and through.

“A distinguished parliamentarian and a tenacious campaigner, serving as both a Member of Parliament for Nelson and Colne, and then Warrington.

“He was greatly respected, being elected as chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party, before being elevated to the House of Lords.

“A Trade Unionist, co-founder of LFI and Warrington Wolves fanatic, he had a long-standing commitment to the town, but above everything, he was a family man.

“We will truly miss him. All of our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Speaker, Catherine, Emma.”

READ MORE: Tributes paid to former Warrington MP and Wolves chairman and president Lord Hoyle

Lord Hoyle won the Warrington by-election in Labour in 1981, serving until 1997 when he moved to the Lords, where he remained until his retirement last summer.

He was also chairman of Warrington Wolves from 1999 to 2009 and would later become president.

His death was announced by his son, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, on Sunday morning (April 7).

He 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.”

Since the announcement, figures from across the political and rugby world have paid tribute.

Current MP for Warrington North, Charlotte Nichols, said: “Heartbroken to learn of the passing of Doug Hoyle.

“Beyond being an icon and Warrington's finest-ever champion both as Warrington North MP and President of Warrington Wolves, he was a friend to all who knew him.

“May his memory forever be a blessing.”

Chair of the Rugby Football League, Simon Johnson added: “The whole rugby league family is devastated to learn of the passing of Lord Hoyle, the father of our President, Lindsay Hoyle.

“We wish Mr Speaker and the whole family ‘long life’ and the hope that they are comforted by the memories of a long and distinguished life.”