Belfast-born Brian Mawhinney dies following long illness

Belfast-born Lord Mawhinney, who served as Tory Party chairman from 1995 to 1997 under Sir John Major’s government, died on Saturday evening.

In a statement his family said: “His death brings an end to a life dedicated to public service and rooted in an unwavering Christian faith.”

“He was a much loved husband, father and grandfather and a friend to many. He will be much missed.”

He was the son of Frederick Mawhinney, a restaurateur, and his wife, Coralie (nee Wilkinson), both devout members of the Church of Ireland. He attended the Royal Belfast Academical Institution and graduated in physics from Queen’s University.

He was elected MP for Peterborough in 1979 and later represented North West Cambridgeshire. He was appointed under-secretary in the Northern Ireland Office in 1986 by Margaret Thatcher, and in 1990 John Major promoted him to minister of state in the same department.

A member of the Cabinet from 1994 until 1997, he left politics in 2005.

During that time he also served as minister of state for the Department of Health and secretary of state for Transport.

He was knighted in 1997 and created a life peer in 2005.

Lord Mawhinney also served as Football League chairman for seven years from 2003.

During his time at the helm of the sporting body, he introduced the fit and proper persons test for prospective club directors and the publication of club spending on agents’ fees.

EFL chairman Rick Parry said in a statement: “Everyone associated with the EFL is saddened to hear of the loss of Lord Mawhinney, a hugely respected and influential figure in our recent past, most notably for his work as chairman of the Football League but also for the significant impact he had on the wider game.

“Lord Mawhinney was awarded a Life Membership in 2012 for the significant contribution he made to the League during his seven years at the helm, during which, he made a number of important introductions as part of a substantive programme of governance reforms.

“He was also the driving force behind the League’s first solidarity arrangement with the Premier League, the formation of the Football League Trust and a significant rebranding to support subsequent commercial development.

“Club owners, their respective teams and staff at the EFL remember Lord Mawhinney’s time at the league fondly and our collective thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad and difficult time.”