Tributes have been paid to a long-serving former Labour MP described as a “campaigner for social justice” who has died at the age of 84.
Peter Pike served as MP for Burnley from 1983 to 2005 after joining the Labour party in 1956.
The father of two sat on several committees and groups and was among the Labour backbench rebels who voted against the war in Iraq. In December 2013, his role in the anti-apartheid movement was praised in Parliament during tributes to former anti-apartheid activist and South African president Nelson Mandela.
He was re-elected as chairman of Burnley Constituency Labour Party in 2015 but stepped down a year later
Political figures described Pike as a “true gentleman” and “campaigner for social justice” after his death was announced by his daughters Carol and Jane on Monday.
The Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said: “It’s very sad news hearing of the death of Peter. He was Labour through and through, a great MP for Burnley, thoughts are with his family.”
The former Labour MP Mike Gapes said: “I’m so sorry to read this. Peter was a good parliamentary colleague, an internationalist and campaigner for social justice. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Sir Mark Hendrick, the Labour MP for Preston, said: “Sad to hear of the death of my friend ex-Burnley MP Peter Pike. He helped me greatly in 1994 as Lancs European parliamentary candidate and when I stood for the Commons in 2000. His passions were housing and fighting racial discrimination. Huge Burnley FC fan. RIP Peter.”
Steve McCabe, MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, said on Twitter: “Sad news. He was a lovely, generous man.”
Conservative MP Andrew Stephenson tweeted: “Sad to hear Peter Pike (Labour MP for Burnley 1983-2005) has died.
“I always found Peter a true gentleman & we recently chatted about the privilege of attending the huge variety of local events all MPs get to attend. My thoughts & prayers are with his daughters, Carol and Jane.”
The former mayor of Burnley 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. My condolences to the whole family. RIP Peter.”
Burnley Football Club said it was “deeply saddened” following Pike’s death. “Everyone at the club sends their condolences to Peter’s family and friends at this very sad time,” it wrote.