Lord Triesman Dies Aged 82 Former FA Chair and Labour Minister

Lord Triesman, the former Labour minister and one time chair of the Football Association, has died at the age of 82, the Labour Party has confirmed.

David Triesman died peacefully at home on Friday night, according to a party statement. Tributes have been paid from across politics and sport, describing him as a central figure in the New Labour era and a committed public servant.

Former prime minister Tony Blair said Lord Triesman was “a vital part of the New Labour movement” and a close personal friend.

Labour leader in the House of Lords Angela Smith described him as “respected and loved by his colleagues for his courtesy, kindness, wisdom, loyalty and generosity of spirit”.

Political career

Born in London, Lord Triesman began his career as a trade union leader and academic. He served as general secretary of the Association of University Teachers and later as general secretary of the Labour Party.

He entered government in 2004, when he was appointed to the House of Lords under Tony Blair’s administration.

Lord Triesman went on to serve as a Foreign Office minister and later as under secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills. After Labour moved into opposition in 2010, he became shadow minister for foreign affairs and sat on several prominent select committees.

Labour said he remained an active member of the House of Lords from 2004 until his death and served as a lord in waiting to Elizabeth II from 2004 to 2022.

Football and the FA

A lifelong supporter of Tottenham Hotspur, Lord Triesman became the first patron of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and later the first independent chair of the Football Association.

During his time at the FA between 2008 and 2010, he was a strong advocate against racism in football and pushed for greater recognition and development of the women’s game.

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He later played a role in exposing corruption within FIFA.

In 2010, Lord Triesman resigned as FA chair after being secretly recorded making allegations that rival nations had attempted to bribe officials during the bidding process for the men’s World Cup. He said at the time that the remarks were made in private and were not intended to be taken seriously.

Tributes

Prime minister Keir Starmer said he was saddened by the news and praised Lord Triesman’s “brilliant contribution to our party and country”.

“He will be remembered for his service as Labour general secretary and as a government minister,” Sir Keir said.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described him as “a great man” who offered wisdom and guidance early in his career.

The FA said it was saddened by his death and acknowledged his role in modernising the organisation.

Labour general secretary Hollie Ridley paid tribute to her predecessor, saying his work helped lay strong foundations for Labour’s later election victories and that his commitment to public service was admirable.

Personal life

Angela Smith said Lord Triesman bore his illness with courage and remained engaging company even in the final weeks of his life.

“Beyond his many public roles, David will be missed for his warmth, humour, insight and encouragement of younger generations,” Labour said.

Lord Triesman is survived by his wife Lucy and their daughter Ilona. His family has asked for privacy at this time.