Former Labour MP Peter Pike dies

The former Labour MP for Burnley, Peter Pike, has died.

Pike, who was 84, served as the town’s MP between 1983 and 2005.

Prior to that, he was leader of Burnley Borough Council, while internationally he was recognised for his role in the anti-Apartheid movement in South Africa.

Following his retirement as an MP, Pike became chairman of Burnley football club’s supporters’ group, the Clarets Trust.

The club said in a statement they were “deeply saddened” to hear of his passing.

Former Labour colleague Mike Gapes wrote on Twitter: “I’m so sorry to read this. Peter was a good parliamentary colleague, an internationalist and a campaigner for social justice.”

Labour peer Lord Wajid Khan said: “Devastated and saddened at the loss of a dear friend Peter Pike. He was one of the finest public servants Burnley has had.”