Tributes have been pouring in for Lord Tom Pendry, a former MP of Stalybridge and Hyde, following his tragic death aged 88. Lord Tom was the Member of Parliament for the area for 31 years, from 1970 until 2001, and also served as the Northern Ireland Office Minister.
On 21 July 1995, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council made Pendry an honorary freeman of the borough. In 2001, Pendry was elevated to the peerage as Baron Pendry, of Stalybridge in the County of Greater Manchester.
His death was announced on Monday (February 27) after he passed away on Sunday night, with local leaders paying their respects in various heartfelt statements on social media.
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Jonathan Reynolds, Labour (Co-op) MP for Stalybridge and Hyde said in a statement: "I am very sorry to let you know that Lord Tom Pendry of Stalybridge passed away last night. A highly popular Member of Parliament for Stalybridge and Hyde from 1970 to 2001, and continued servant of our communities since, Lord Pendry will be missed by many.
"He was extremely proud to have served as Lord Commissioner of the Treasury and as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under Jim Callaghan, and would often tell me he was responsible for talent-spotting Tony Blair.
"His passion was sport, especially boxing and football, great loves deepened during his national service with the Royal Air Force. His service as President of the Football Foundation saw him campaigning for better facilities for community soccer throughout his time in the Lords. My deepest condolences go to his children Fiona and Dominic, and his grandchildren."
Lord Pendry’s contributions to the area saw him given the honorary title of Lord Mottram of Longdendale, marking a quarter of a century as an MP. He is also honoured in Stalybridge, with the area in front of the Civic Hall named Lord Pendry Square and also at Stalybridge Celtic, with The Lord Tom Pendry Stand named after him.
Sam Gosling, Independent Councillor for Stalybridge North said in a tribute: "Heard the sad news this morning that Lord Tom Pendry has died. I will never forget the level of support and kindness he showed me when I became a councillor and when I took over the management of the Labour Club.
"I’ll be toasting his amazing life tonight with a glass of House of Lords whiskey that he gave me as a gift. Rest in peace Tom. You will be missed."
Muhammad Rahman, Council of Governor at the Stockport NHS Trust Foundation, added: "Former Stalybridge and Hyde Member of Parliament (1970-2001) Lord Tom Pendry passed away. I have done many election campaigns with him, he is a very good hearted person. My deeply condolences to his family at this sad time."
In 2022, Lord Pendry was suspended from the House of Lords for a week after he was found to have bullied a member of security staff.
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