The Labour peer David Lipsey has been found dead after swimming in the River Wye in Wales, police have confirmed. The 77-year-old former journalist and Downing Street adviser was pulled from the water on Tuesday following a multi-agency search.
Dyfed Powys Police were called to the village of Glasbury on Monday after concerns were raised about a man last seen swimming in the river. A police spokesperson said: "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 entered the House of Lords in 1999 after being awarded a life peerage by Tony Blair. He previously served as a special adviser to Labour minister Anthony Crosland and worked at 10 Downing Street under Prime Minister Jim Callaghan. His career in journalism included roles at The Guardian, The Sunday Times, New Society and The Economist, and he co-founded the Sunday Correspondent in 1988.
A patron of the Glasbury arts festival and a greyhound racing enthusiast, Lipsey chaired the British Greyhound Racing Board from 2004 to 2009. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute, saying: "David was loved and respected by so many... He will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate to know him."
Lord Speaker Lord McFall of Alcluith expressed condolences from the upper chamber. Lipsey is survived by his wife, Margaret, and their family.
