Lord Triesman, ex-Labour minister and FA chairman, dies

Former Labour minister Lord Triesman, who was "vital" to New Labour, according to Sir Tony Blair, has died at the age of 82, the party has said.

David Triesman, who also served as chairman of the Football Association, died "peacefully and at home" on Friday, the party said in a statement.

He was the general secretary of the AUT (Association of University Teachers), and the general secretary of the Labour Party, before he joined Sir Tony Blair's government in the House of Lords in 2004, Labour said.

He served as a Foreign Office minister and then later as under-secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills before a stint as shadow minister for foreign affairs.

The statement said he was "a politician, a trade union leader, an academic and a merchant banker" who "pursued a very active role in the House of Lords from 2004 [as Baron Triesman, of Tottenham] until his death".

He was also a Lord in Waiting to Queen Elizabeth II from 2004-2022, Labour's statement said.

The party added: "A passionate Spurs fan, Lord Triesman became the first patron of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and the first independent chair of the FA (Football Association) from which platform he advocated intensely against racism in football and for the increased centrality of the women's football.

"He later played an important role in the exposing of corruption within FIFA."

The statement concluded: "Beyond his many public roles, David will be ever missed by his family and friends for his warmth, love, humour, insight and the ceaseless encouragement he gave to the younger generations of their family and their friends' families."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "saddened" by the news, adding that Lord Triesman "will be remembered for his brilliant contribution to our party and country, including as Labour general secretary and a government minister.

"My thoughts are with his family and friends," the prime minister said.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Lord Triesman was "a great man", who offered him "wisdom and advice when he was an NUS (National Union of Students) officer".

Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said the peer was a "vital part of the New Labour movement and became in time a great friend".

The peer was "passionate about the cause, whether the Labour Party or football" and was "deeply committed to making change to improve people's lives".

The FA said on X it was "saddened" to hear of his death.

Baroness Angela Smith, leader of the House of Lords, said he was "respected and loved by his colleagues for his courtesy, kindness, wisdom, loyalty and generosity of spirit".

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"He was great company with a wide circle of friends who shared lively conversations on his many interests and enthusiasms, particularly but not exclusively, politics and football," she added.

"David bore his illness with amazing courage and even in the last weeks of his life he was engaging company."

Hollie Ridley, Labour's general secretary, also said her predecessor's "commitment to public service was admirable and he will be much missed by those who he worked so closely with".

He is survived by his wife Lucy, Lady Triesman, and their daughter Ilona, the party said, adding that they asked for "their privacy to be respected at this sad time".

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