The MP who resigned after the 2005 election was regarded as a “campaigner for social justice.” Tributes are given to a long-serving former Labour MP referred to as a “campaigner for interpersonal justice” who died at eighty-four.
Peter Pike served as MP for Burnley from 1983 to 2005 after joining the Labour party in 1956.
The father of 2 sat on a few organizations and committees and was of all the Labour backbench rebels that voted against the war in Iraq. In December 2013, his part in the anti-apartheid movement was praised in Parliament throughout 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 season later.
Political figures described Pike as a “true “campaigner and gentleman” for interpersonal justice” following his death was announced by his daughters Jane and Carol on Monday.
The Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said: “It’s extremely depressing news hearing of the demise of Peter. He was Labour through as well as through, an excellent MP for Burnley, thoughts are with his family.”
The former Labour MP Mike Gapes said: “I am very sorry to check out the. Peter was an excellent parliamentary colleague, an internationalist as well as a campaigner for social justice. The thoughts are with his friends.” and family.
Sir Mark Hendrick, the Labour MP for Preston, said: “Sad to hear of the demise of my buddy ex Burnley MP Peter Pike. He helped me significantly in 1994 as Lancs European parliamentary person when I stood for all the Commons in 2000. Their passions of his were housing and combating racial discrimination. Great Burnley FC fan. RIP Peter.”
Steve McCabe, MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, stated on Twitter: “Sad news. He was a beautiful, good man.”
Conservative MP Andrew Stephenson tweeted: “Sad to hear Peter Pike (Labour MP for Burnley 1983 2005) has died.
“I generally discovered Peter, a genuine gentleman & we recently chatted about the opportunity of joining the massive number of neighborhood events all MPs get to attend. The thoughts of mine & prayers are with the daughters of his, as well as Carol Jane.”
The former mayor of Burnley Wajid Khan said: saddened and “Devastated at a loss associated with a dear friend, Peter Pike. He was among the finest public servants Burnley has experienced. My condolences to the entire family. RIP Peter.”
Burnley Football Club stated it was “deeply saddened” following Pike’s death. “Everyone in the club sends condolences to Peter’s friends and family at this really unfortunate time,” it wrote.
