The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Tributes after death of former city MP
Ex-Peterborough MP and Football League chairman Brian Mawhinney died on Saturday politicians, friends and colleagues pay tribute
Tributes have been paid to a ‘hard working’ former Peterborough MP who strived to do his best for the city. Brian Mawhinney was first elected as Peterborough MP in 1979, and spent more than two decades representing residents.
He also served as chairman of the Football League.
In a statement, his family said: “Lord Mawhinney passed away on the evening of November 9, surrounded by his family, after a long illness. “He was aged 79.
“His death brings an end to a life dedicated to public service and rooted in an unwavering Christian faith.
“He was a much loved husband, father and grandfather and a friend to many. He will be much missed.”
Lord Mawhinney was elected MP for Peterborough in 1979 to represent the Conservative party, and later represented the new North West Cambridgeshire ward, retiring in 2005.
He was a member of the Cabinet from 1994 until 1997.
Shailesh Vara, who was elected as North West Cambridgeshire MP after Lord Mawhinney’s retirement (the pair are the only two MPs in the constituency history), said: “Brian was a formidable politician. He was very firm in his Christian faith and committed to public service.
“After a distinguished career as an MP, including serving as Transport Secretary and Party Chairman, he remained active and went on to play an important role as Chairman of the Football League.
“Brian will be much missed not only by his family but by so many others too. My prayers and thoughts are with Betty and the family at this difficult time.”
Peterborough Telegraph photographer David Lowndes first got to know Lord Mawhinney in the mid-1970s, when he was first selected as a prospective candidate. David took the MP’s picture almost every week while he was in Parliament, and the pair became friends.
David said: “When I first met him, he rolled his sleeves up and said ‘what do you want me to do.’
“Rolling up his sleeves and working was what he did for Peterborough. He was very hard working, and he was proud of what he did for this city.
“He was a tough taskmaster, but we would always have a joke.”
Chief executive of Peterborough City Council, Gillian Beasley, said Lord Mawhinney always tried to do the best for those he represented.
She said: “At the heart of Brian was an unshakeable belief that he was a servant of those who elected him and that he must always do the very best for all of them, whether they voted for him or not.
“His Christian faith guided this belief, and that made him a formidable MP with a work ethic and determination to match.
“I admired this greatly and he challenged me and the council to step up to the mark on so many occasions.
“He was an incredibly eloquent man who fought for his constituents’ rights with words, but also with action, and many a time he would grab me by the hand to show me what was needed in his constituency.
“Above all his humanity touched so many of us, and when the going was tough he was never found wanting in his care and concern right up to the end of his life.”
Lord Mawhinney leaves wife Betty, two sons, Andrew and Stephen, and daughter Alison.
A funeral and thanksgiving service will take place at St Peter’s Church in Oundle on Friday, November 22 at 11am. All are welcome to attend.
The family have requested no flowers, but donations to charities Christians in Sport and Tear Fund can be made to Crowson’s Funeral Directors by calling 01832 272269.