Lord David Lipsey, the peer who coined the phrase 'New Labour', left a six-figure sum to his beloved wife after tragically drowning while wild swimming. The 77-year-old was found dead in the River Wye in Glasbury, Wales, on July 1 last year.
A life in politics and journalism
Lord Lipsey, also known as the Baron of Tooting Bec, was deeply involved with the Labour Party for decades. He coined not only 'New Labour' but also the phrase 'Winter of Discontent', referring to the winter of 1978-79 characterised by mass strikes and bitterly cold temperatures. He served as secretary of the Labour Party in Streatham from 1970 to 1972 and later became an advisor to 10 Downing Street under James Callaghan. He came up with the name 'New Labour' for then-Prime Minister Tony Blair, who granted him a peerage in 1999, allowing him to sit in the House of Lords. After his time in Westminster, Lord Lipsey pursued a successful journalism career at the New Statesman and The Economist.
The tragic incident
On the day of his death, Lord Lipsey was reported missing after entering the water. Police recovered his body from the River Wye the same day, not far from his home in Tregoyd. He and his second wife, Margaret, were frequent wild swimmers.
Estate details
Newly released Grant of Probate documents reveal that Lord Lipsey left an estate worth £213,973 to his wife. The document states: 'David Lawrence Lipsey of Tregoyd, Brecon died on July 1, 2025. The Last Will and Testament was proved and registered before the High Court of Justice. The administration of David Lawrence Lipsey's estate is granted by this court to the following Executor: Matthew Barnaby Robson of Esher. The application has stated that the gross value of the estate in the United Kingdom amounts to £233,300 and the net value amounts to £213,973.'
His last will, written on February 27, 2012, reads: 'I, Lord Lipsey of Tooting Bec, otherwise known as David Lawrence Lipsey, hereby revoke all former wills and codicils made by me and declare this to be my last will. If my wife Lady Margaret Lipsey survives me by 28 clear days then I appoint my wife to be the sole executrix of my will. I give all my estate, out of which shall be paid my funeral and testamentary expenses, inheritance tax and my debts. And any property over which I have at my death a general power of appointment, together referred to in my will as my residuary estate. To my wife if she survives me by 28 clear days.'
Lady Lipsey, his second wife, married him in 1982. They had a daughter, Becky, and he also had two stepsons, Matthew Robson and Dominic Robson.
