Keir Starmer has paid tribute to Sir George Howarth's "lifetime of public service" after the Labour stalwart died aged 77. Sir George, a former minister, served as a member of Parliament for almost four decades, representing the Merseyside constituency of Knowsley North from 1986 until boundary changes, and then Knowsley until the 2024 general election.
Prime Minister Leads Tributes
The Prime Minister said: “A lifetime of public service, George served his party, his country, and the people of Knowsley with distinction. My thoughts and those of the entire Labour movement are with his family at this difficult time.”
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle described his death last week as “another sad loss” to the House of Commons. In the chamber, he told MPs he campaigned for Sir George in the 1986 by-election which saw him elected onto the green benches. “Tragically, George got a bad back but we did have a big majority at the end of it,” Sir Lindsay continued. “But of course, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Julie, and wider family and friends. He was a great politician and it is another sad loss to this House.”
Colleagues and Successor Pay Tribute
Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell said: "Incredibly sad news about George Howarth. He was a lovely man-highly political, values-driven & rooted in his community & family. He was a constant presence in Parliament for the near 40 years as an MP, raising issues & offering advice & wisdom. He served on the NEC for many years too & always showed calm judgement. Rest in peace George."
Anneliese Midgley, who was elected Labour MP for Knowsley in 2024, said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my predecessor, Sir George Howarth. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Julie, his children, and all his family, friends and former colleagues at this deeply sad time."
Schools minister Catherine McKinnell said: "George was a wonderful colleague - warm, kind, sharp and funny. Keeping his family and friends in my thoughts at this sad time."
Career Highlights
During his years in Parliament, Sir George served on the Panel of Chairs, chairing Westminster Hall debates and overseeing committees. He was a minister during Sir Tony Blair’s early years in No10, first in the Home Office between May 1997 and July 1999, and then in the Northern Ireland Office between July 1999 and June 2001.
Sir George was knighted in the 2019 Birthday Honours for parliamentary and political service. Labour held the Knowsley seat at the last general election, which Anneliese Midgley won with a majority of 18,319.
