Ex-MP Edward Lyons dies

A former MP who left Labour in the 1980s to join the new SDP before later rejoining the party, has died aged 83, his family said today.

Edward Lyons QC was an MP for 17 years, representing Bradford East between 1966 and 1974 and then Bradford West between 1974 and 1983.

Mr Lyons left Labour in 1981 to join the newly-formed SDP but lost his seat in the 1983 general election.

He rejoined the Labour Party in 1994 and his family said he remained an active supporter for the rest of his life.

Mr Lyons was also a successful barrister and practised as a QC in Leeds and London.

When he lost in seat in 1983 he returned to the Bar.

Mr Lyons was born in Glasgow in 1926 but lived for most of his life in Leeds.

He worked as a Russian interpreter for the Army in post-war Germany before studying law at Leeds University.

And 50 years later, after his retirement, he returned to Leeds University and graduated with a BA in European Studies.

His family said he died at St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds, on Friday after a long illness.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, son John, daughter Jane and four grandchildren.

Mr Lyons's funeral will be held at Rawdon Crematorium, Leeds, on Thursday.