Tributes are being paid to Lord Alan Haselhurst, the former Conservative MP and deputy speaker, who died on Tuesday aged 88.
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle described him as a "distinguished and respected parliamentarian", while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he would be "deeply missed, particularly on the benches opposite".
He served as MP for Saffron Walden from 1977 to 2017, following his initial election for Middleton and Prestwich in 1970.
He became deputy speaker and chairman of ways and means in 1997, before joining the House of Lords in 2018.
In the Commons, Sir Lindsay said: “He was a distinguished and respected parliamentarian, serving on numerous committees during his time in the House, as well as playing a leading role with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
“Friends will know Alan was mad about cricket along (with) my father, Doug, they were prominent and long-serving officers of the All Party Parliamentary Group on cricket, and I know Alan took his passion to the next level with his many novels about the sport.
“In 2018, he was appointed a life peer, served in the House of Lords until he retired at the end of 2024.
“I am sure members across the House will like to join me in sending our condolences to Lord Haselhurt’s wife, Lady Angela, his children, grandchildren, family, and friends, who are very much in our thoughts today.”
Opening Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir also paid tribute to Lord Haselhurst, saying: “I know he will be deeply missed, particularly on the benches opposite.”
Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch shared: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Sir Alan Haselhurst.
“Sir Alan served the Saffron Walden constituency for 40 years. He held senior roles in Parliament, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, and was widely respected for his integrity, experience and calm authority.
“As his successor, I have the privilege of representing the same constituency, and I know how deeply he cared about North West Essex.
“He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of its villages, its people and its issues, and a genuine affection for those who live here.
“My thoughts are with Lady Haselhurst and his family at this very sad time. Sir Alan will be remembered across North West Essex with great fondness, as well as respect for all he gave to public life.”
