LORD TONYPANDY, former Speaker of the House of Commons and a staunch opponent of devolution, died yesterday after a long battle with cancer. He was 88.
As Labour MP George Thomas, he was elected Speaker in 1976, and served until 1983.
Lord Tonypandy was a friend of the Prince and Princess of Wales - he advised the Prince on his Welsh pronunciation before his investiture in 1969 - and was deeply moved by Diana's death.
In a touching statement, the Queen remembered his warmth, his long service to Parliament and the courage he showed in fighting his illness.
She said: ''I was very sad to hear of Lord Tonypandy's death. Like so many people who knew him, or heard his voice, I will remember his warm personality, his dignity as Speaker of the House of Commons, and his wonderful Welsh accent.
''My family join me in sending our sympathy to all his friends and colleagues.''
The Prime Minister praised ''his kindness, his humour and his judgment''. He said: ''He will be remembered with great fondness and affection for his many years of service as MP, Minister, Speaker of the House of Commons and latterly as a peer. He represented the people of Cardiff with great diligence and industry for many years. His former constituents will miss him greatly. So, of course, will his relatives and friends.''
Tory leader William Hague, also a former Welsh Secretary, said Lord Tonypandy was ''much loved and respected''. He said: ''We have lost a great parliamentarian and a proud Welshman.''
Speaker Betty Boothroyd spoke of her predecessor's courage and his influence on the Commons
''His presence was magisterial, but at the same time human and friendly,'' she said.
Obituary - Page 14
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