Late peer a 'passionate advocate for communities'

Lord Snape of Wednesbury, a long-serving MP who has died at the age of 84, has been remembered as a "passionate advocate for the communities he served".

Peter Snape, a former railwayman, represented West Bromwich East from 1974 to 2001, serving as a government whip from 1977 to 1979.

During Labour's opposition in the 1980s, the then-future chairman of Stockport County FC was a spokesman on defence, home affairs and transport.

Sandwell Council's leader Ray Nock, from Reform UK, said Lord Snape was "a hard-working MP dedicated to serving his constituents and the people of Sandwell".

Before politics he worked on the railways as a signalman, goods guard and clerical officer.

He was leader of Bredbury and Romiley Urban District Council from 1971 to 1974 and became a life peer in the House of Lords in 2004.

Lord Snape was also "an Honorary Freeman of Sandwell, a title awarded in 2009 for his outstanding service to the borough over many decades", the council said.

Nock said he had "huge respect for Peter", adding "he was my constituency MP for many years".

"This is very sad news. On behalf of everyone at the council, I offer my thoughts and condolences to Lord Peter Snape's family, friends and colleagues."

The leader of the opposition group, Labour's Paul Moore, said: "Peter was a passionate advocate for the communities he served and a powerful voice helping to improve Sandwell.

"As an Honorary Freeman of Sandwell, Peter held a special place in our borough's history. His contribution to public life will be long remembered."

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