Tony Lloyd ….. the exhibition

I didn’t know Tony Lloyd that well but those who did spoke of a caring principled individual who made his mark through civic service.

 My wikipedia tells me that he was "a British Labour politician. He served as a member of Parliament (MP) for 36 years, making him one of the longest-serving MPs in recent history. 

He served as MP for Stretford from 1983 to 1997, Manchester Central from 1997 to 2012, and represented Rochdale from 2017 until his death in 2024. 

He was Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner between 2012 and 2017 and served as the interim Mayor of Greater Manchester in his last two years in the role".*

And before that he was a councillor for the Clifford Ward on Trafford Council from 1979 to 1984 becoming Deputy Labour Council Leader.

All of that and more is available to read, but what I found particularly illuminating was an exhibition devoted to the life and work of Tony Lloyd supported by the Communications Union.

Here can be found pictures, and stories along with tributes from friends, political colleagues and opponents as well as heaps of memorabilia.

In an age when it is “clever” to be cynical and deride those who chose a career in public service, this exhibition is a timely remember of what that service can achieve.

The exhibition is in the basement of Manchester Central Reference  Library, St Peter’s Square till, June 30th 2025**

Location; Central Ref

Pictures; the exhibition, 2025, from the collection of Andrew Simpson

*Tony Lloyd, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Lloyd

**Tony Lloyd Exhibition, https://librarylive.co.uk/event/tony-lloyd-exhibition/