Tragic Farewell: Labour Peer Lord David Lipsey Drowns While Swimming in the River Wye

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Labour peer Lord David Lipsey, aged 77, has died while swimming in the River Wye at Glasbury, Powys, as confirmed by Dyfed-Powys Police. Authorities were alerted to a potential safety concern involving Lipsey after he was last seen in the water on July 1. Following an extensive multi-agency search, his body was sadly recovered, and police have notified his next of kin, requesting privacy during this challenging time.

Originally from Dorset, Lord Lipsey had made Powys his home and was known for his involvement as a patron of the Glasbury Arts Festival. His extensive career spanned various prestigious roles, including serving as a special adviser to Labour minister Anthony Crosland in the 1970s and holding positions in 10 Downing Street under Prime Minister Jim Callaghan. He was also a notable journalist, contributing to respected publications such as The Sunday Times, New Society, and The Economist, and co-founding the Sunday Correspondent in 1988.

In 1999, he was honored with a life peerage by then-Prime Minister Tony Blair, gaining recognition for coining significant political phrases like ”New Labour” and ”winter of discontent”, which described the tumultuous industrial strikes of 1978/79 that paved the way for Margaret Thatcher’s electoral victory.

Tributes have poured in following his death, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer leading the remembrances from the Labour Party. Starmer noted Lipsey’s tireless dedication, saying he was a man ”loved and respected by so many”. He extended his heartfelt thoughts to Lipsey’s wife, Margaret, along with their family and friends during this time of grief.

Apart from his political contributions, Lord Lipsey was an enthusiastic advocate for greyhound racing and served as the chair of the British Greyhound Racing Board (now the Greyhound Board of Great Britain) from 2004 to 2009, working diligently to ensure dogs were rehomed once their racing careers ended. The House of Lords, represented by Lord Speaker John McFall, has expressed its condolences to Lipsey’s family and friends, marking a significant loss in both political and social circles.