British politician found dead as police find body in river

His body was recovered on Tuesday

The House of Lords member was last seen swimming in the the river Wye near Glasbury, where a bystander became concerned about his safety and contacted local police. 

Dyfed Powys Police have now confirmed that it was the body of Lord Lipsey pulled from the river on Tuesday. 

A spokesperson for the police force said, "Following a multi-agency search on July 1, sadly, we can confirm the body of Lord David Lipsey was recovered. His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. They have asked for their privacy to be respected."

David Lipsey was a member of the House of Lords for more than 25-years, after being appointed by then-Prime Minister Tony Blair in 1999. 

Before his appointment he worked as a journalist and political advisor to former Prime Minister James Callahan. 

As a journalist he worked for The Sunday Times, New Society and The Economist.

He is credited with first coining the phrases "New Labour" and "winter of discontent".

The speaker for the House of Lords has paid tribute to the 77-year-old Lord Lipsey, saying the chamber had expressed “condolences to the noble Lord's family and friends.”