Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle announces death of his father

Sir Lindsay Hoyle described his father as "everything to me"

Sir Lindsay Hoyle has led tributes to his father, the former Labour MP and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, Lord Doug Hoyle, who has died at the age of 81.

Announcing the news on Twitter today (Sunday), Sir Lindsay said: "It is with great sorrow that I have to announce the passing of my beloved father Doug Hoyle, Lord Hoyle. He was everything to me and my family."

Sir Lindsay described his father as a "truly dedicated public servant" who "spent his life fighting for the people of Chorley and Lancashire."

Lord Hoyle was first elected as the Labour MP for Nelson and Colne in 1983. He served in that role until 1997, when he was elected as the MP for Chorley. He retired from the House of Commons in 2010 and was awarded a life peerage in 2011.

During his time in Parliament, Lord Hoyle held a number of ministerial positions, including Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security and Minister of State for Social Security.

He was also a Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons from 2001 to 2010.

Lord Hoyle's death has been met with sadness by politicians from across the political spectrum.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lord Hoyle. He was a dedicated public servant who made a significant contribution to British politics."

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "Doug Hoyle was a tireless campaigner for the people of Lancashire. He will be sadly missed."

Sir Lindsay Hoyle said his father's death has left a "huge void" in his life.

"He was my best friend and mentor," he said. "I will miss him dearly."