The 77-year-old Labour politician Lord Lipsey has died after swimming in the River Wye in Wales.
The former journalist and politician lived in Powys, Wales, but was born in England. It was on Monday when officers were called to the village of Glasbury following concerns about the safety of a man who was seen swimming in the river.
On Thursday, after a multi-agency search, it was confirmed that a body had been pulled from the water. The local police said his next of kin have been informed and have asked for their privacy to be respected.
Lord Lipsey was instrumental in securing greater recognition for greyhound racing
Lord Lipsey, whose full name was David Lawrence Lipsey, was a huge advocate for greyhound racing, and he chaired the British Greyhound Racing Board between 2004 and 2009.
He has been described by the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) as being a ‘true enthusiast and defender of the sport.’
He campaigned for the welfare of racing greyhounds and was able to secure greater recognition and support for the industry. He was a respected voice in the House of Lords, often participating in debates relating to gambling reform. He believed that regulation must protect the vulnerable without undermining freedom.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Lord Lipsey’s passing. He was a man of enormous integrity and wisdom, who brought clarity and compassion to every debate he took part in,” says Grainne Hurst, the chief executive of the BGC.
“His love for greyhound racing, and his dedication to ensuring the highest welfare standards for the dogs, was inspirational. His contributions to the gambling sector were marked by reason, research and a desire to ensure public policy worked in the best interests of all. He will be greatly missed by everyone at the BGC and across the industry.”
Featured Image: Credit to Roger Harris // UK Parliament // Wikimedia Commons
