Sir George Howarth, the long-serving former Labour MP for Knowsley, has died at the age of 77, prompting tributes from across the political spectrum. He served the Merseyside constituency for nearly four decades before retiring at the 2024 general election.
Political Career and Early Life
Born in Prescot, Sir George was educated at Huyton Secondary School, Kirkby College of Further Education, Liverpool Polytechnic and the University of Salford. He worked as an engineer and a teacher before entering politics. His political career began at the local level when he was elected to Huyton District Council in 1971, later serving on Knowsley Borough Council until 1986, where he became deputy leader.
He first entered Parliament by winning a by-election for Knowsley North in 1986, following the resignation of Robert Kilroy-Silk, who left the Commons to pursue a television career. He continued to represent the area through boundary changes, serving Knowsley North and Sefton East and later the Knowsley constituency.
Ministerial Roles and Knighthood
Sir George served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Home Office from 1997 to 1999 and as Under Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office from 1999 to 2001 under Prime Minister Tony Blair. He was knighted in 2019 for his public service. At the 2017 general election, he secured 85% of the vote, one of the largest majorities in the country.
Tributes from Colleagues
Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle paid tribute to Sir George in the Commons. Current Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley said: 'I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my predecessor Sir George Howarth. George devoted almost four decades of his life to serving the people of Knowsley with unwavering dedication, integrity and compassion. Born and raised in our borough, he was Knowsley through and through and representing the community he loved was the work of his life.'
She added: 'From his early years on Knowsley Council to his long and distinguished career in Parliament, George never lost sight of the people he served. The enormous trust and confidence placed in him by the people of Knowsley, election after election and often with overwhelming majorities, reflected the deep respect and affection our communities had for him. He was a tireless advocate for local people and worked relentlessly to ensure Knowsley’s voice was heard at the highest levels of government.'
Legacy and Personal Tragedy
Ms Midgley highlighted his work in Northern Ireland: 'His contribution to public life was immense. George served as a minister in both the Home Office and Northern Ireland Office under Tony Blair, including during the crucial years following the Good Friday Agreement, helping to support peace and political progress in Northern Ireland.' She also noted his role in modernising the electoral system and his appointment as a Privy Counsellor.
Following the death of his daughter Sián, Sir George became a campaigner for Type 1 diabetes awareness and research. He was also a supporter of the Hillsborough families in their fight for justice. Ms Midgley concluded: 'For those of us who have followed him in representing Knowsley, his legacy of service and commitment to our borough will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Julie, his children and all his family, friends and former colleagues at this deeply sad time.'
