Lord Triesman, Ex labor Minister and Football Association Chair, dies aged 82. The Labor Party said Peer died “peacefully and at home” on Friday night.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair paid tribute to Treisman as “a key part of the New Labor movement”. Angela Smith, the Labor leader in the House of Lords, described him as “respected and loved by his peers for his decency, kindness, wisdom, loyalty and generosity of spirit”.
Triesman was general secretary of the Association of University Teachers trade union and general secretary of the Labor Party before joining the Blair government in the House of Lords in 2004.
He served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and later as Under-Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
Treisman was later Labour’s shadow minister for foreign affairs and also sat on several prominent select committees.
Labour’s statement said: “He played a very active role in the House of Lords from 2004 until his death. And served as a Lord in Waiting to Queen Elizabeth II from 2004 to 2022.”
The party added: “A passionate Spurs fan, Lord Treisman became the first patron. Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and the first independent chair of the FA (Football Association), from this platform he advocated strongly against racism in football and for the increased centralization of women’s football.
“He later played an important role in exposing corruption at FIFA.”
In 2010, he Resigned as FA Chair After being secretly recorded making allegations of bribery over rival countries’ efforts to stage the men’s World Cup.
Blair, who was prime minister from 1997 to 2007, said in a statement: “David was an important part of the New Labor movement and became a great friend over time.
“Passionate about a cause, whether it was the Labor Party or football, he was deeply committed to making a difference to improve people’s lives.
“A man unwavering in his loyalty and dedication, he was loved and admired by those who had the privilege of working with him.
“He was a gentle, genuine, good man who naturally and unhesitatingly put others before himself. My deepest sympathies to Lucy and all his family.”
Lady Smith said: “As a Labor peer, David was respected and loved by his peers for his courtesy, kindness, wisdom, loyalty and generosity of spirit.
“He was great company with a wide circle of friends with whom he shared lively conversations on his many interests and passions, particularly, but especially politics and football.
“David bore his illness with incredible courage and was keeping company even in the final weeks of his life. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him, but we are proud to have had his friendship.”
Labor general secretary Holly Ridley also paid tribute to her predecessor.
She said: “Very few general secretaries have had the privilege of serving the Labor Party and the country when the Labor Party has been in power – and David’s work in that role has helped ensure that our campaign machinery has the strong foundations it needs to help us win that third term in government.
“His commitment to public service is admirable and will be sorely missed by those with whom he worked so closely.”
Treisman is survived by his wife, Lucy, and their daughter, Ilona.
