Lord David Lipsey, Baron Lipsey of Tooting Bec, who has died aged 77, was a distinguished Labour peer, journalist, policy adviser, and an ardent supporter of both the arts and greyhound racing. His life was marked by public service, intellectual rigour, and an enduring connection to the communities in Dorset and Wales that helped shape him.
Lord Lipsey’s body was discovered in the River Wye near Glasbury, Powys, on 1 July 2025, following a search after he was last seen swimming, a daily ritual he deeply cherished. His family have requested privacy at this difficult time.
Early Life and Dorset Connections
Born on 21 April 1948, David Lipsey spent his formative years in Dorset, where he attended Bryanston School from 1962 to 1967. His time in Dorset left a lasting impression, instilling in him a love of the countryside and a quiet determination that would later characterise his political and journalistic endeavours.
After Bryanston, he won an exhibition to Magdalen College, Oxford, where he read Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), graduating with First Class Honours and receiving the Gibbs Prize in Politics.
Political Career and Journalism
Lipsey’s early career saw him working as an adviser and speechwriter to senior Labour figures, most notably Anthony Crosland, before joining the policy team at 10 Downing Street under Prime Minister James Callaghan. He played a pivotal role in drafting the 1979 Labour manifesto, navigating the party through a challenging political landscape.
Transitioning to journalism, Lipsey held senior positions at The Sunday Times, The Times, and The Economist, where he authored the highly respected “Bagehot” column. His political commentary, marked by sharp insight and balanced judgement, earned him the Special Orwell Prize for Journalism in 1997.
His commitment to public discourse remained unwavering throughout his life. It was Lipsey who is credited with coining the term “New Labour” following the party’s 1992 general election defeat, a phrase that would come to symbolise a redefined era of Labour politics.
Peerage and Advocacy
In 1999, Lipsey was created a Life Peer, taking the title Baron Lipsey of Tooting Bec. In the House of Lords, he was respected for his thoughtful, pragmatic approach and became a trusted voice on policy matters ranging from electoral reform to elderly care and financial regulation.
Lord Lipsey’s passion for the arts led him to chair the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Classical Music, and he was a patron of the Glasbury Arts Festival. He also held prominent positions with the Advertising Standards Authority and the Financial Services Authority panel, contributing to key debates on consumer protection and regulatory oversight.
Champion of Greyhound Racing and Environmental Concerns
A lifelong enthusiast of greyhound racing, Lord Lipsey served as chairman of the British Greyhound Racing Board from 2004 to 2009 and was president of the British Harness Racing Club for eight years. His involvement extended beyond sporting interest; he was a vocal advocate for animal welfare within the racing industry, pushing for higher standards and reform.
His later years were spent near the River Wye, where he and his wife Margaret became part of the local Glasbury community. His daily swims in the river became a treasured ritual, though he often lamented the deteriorating water quality, raising concerns in the House of Lords about pollution and environmental neglect.
“We go swimming at Glasbury most mornings … but it is a deteriorating experience,” he once remarked, using his platform to highlight the pressing need for river conservation.
A Lasting Legacy
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum and from the communities he championed. A Talgarth councillor described him as “a true friend to local schools, festivals, and regeneration efforts” and added, “We will not see David’s like again.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to his “lifetime of service and unwavering commitment to the Labour movement,” while the Lord Speaker reflected on his integrity, intellect, and kindness.
Lord Lipsey leaves behind a legacy of principled public service, intellectual honesty, and community dedication. His contributions to journalism, politics, the arts, animal welfare, and environmental causes have left an indelible mark. He will be fondly remembered not only as a peer and journalist but as a man deeply connected to the places and people that shaped his life—from Dorset to the banks of the River Wye.
