The body of Labour peer Lord David Lipsey has been recovered from the River Wye in Wales, police have confirmed.
The 77-year-old member of the House of Lords was last seen swimming in the river near Glasbury, Powys, before a bystander raised the alarm out of concern for his safety. Dyfed-Powys Police launched a major search operation involving multiple agencies after the incident was reported.
In a statement released on Tuesday evening, the police confirmed the tragic outcome: “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.”
Lord Lipsey, a life peer since 1999, had served in the House of Lords for more than 25 years after being appointed by then-Prime Minister Tony Blair. Known for his sharp intellect and unwavering commitment to public service, Lipsey made his mark as both a journalist and a political advisor before entering the upper chamber.
His career in journalism included roles at The Sunday Times, New Society and The Economist, where he became known for his incisive political analysis. He is widely credited with coining the now-iconic political terms “New Labour” and the “winter of discontent,” shaping political discourse in Britain for decades.
Before becoming a peer, Lord Lipsey also served as a political advisor to former Labour Prime Minister James Callaghan and was active in numerous policy reviews and public commissions, including in the areas of social care and electoral reform.
In the House of Lords, he was known for his eloquent speeches and his dedication to nuanced debate. He was particularly passionate about the arts, education, and social welfare policy, and was a well-respected voice on constitutional matters.
Paying tribute, the Lord Speaker issued a statement: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Lord Lipsey. The chamber has expressed its condolences to the noble Lord’s family and friends. His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him and served alongside him.”
Colleagues from across the political spectrum have also expressed shock and sorrow at his sudden passing. Labour leader Keir Starmer said Lord Lipsey “combined fierce intellect with deep compassion. His contributions to journalism, politics and public life leave a lasting legacy.”
The circumstances surrounding his death are not being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
Flags over Parliament are expected to fly at half-mast this week in tribute to the late peer, whose contributions to British politics, media, and public life spanned more than five decades.
