Former MP Edward Lyons dies aged 83
A former MP who left Labour in the 1980s to join the new SDP before later rejoining the party, has died aged 83.
Edward Lyons was an MP for 17 years, representing Bradford East between 1966-74 and then Bradford West between 1974-83. He left Labour in 1981 to join the newly-formed SDP but lost his seat in the 1983 General Election.
He rejoined the Labour Party in 1994 and his family said he remained an active supporter for the rest of his life. Mr Lyons was also a successful barrister and practised as a QC in Leeds and London. When he lost in seat in 1983 he returned to the Bar.
Mr Lyons was born in Glasgow in 1926 but lived for most of his life in Leeds. He studied law at Leeds University.