Former Waveney MP and council leader Bob Blizzard dies aged 71
He was Labour MP for Waveney between 1997 and 2010
Last updated 10th May 2022
Tributes are being paid to the former Waveney MP Bob Blizzard, after his death at the age of 71.
Born in Bury St Edmunds in 1950, he had a career in teaching before becoming involved in politics.
He was a former headteacher at Lynn Grove High School in Gorleston.
Bob was a local councillor at Waveney District Council from 1987, later becoming the leader of the local authority.
In 1997 he was elected as the Labour MP for Waveney, holding the seat until Labour's defeat in the 2010 General Election.
He retired from politics in 2015 after failing in a bid to regain his former seat, now held by Conservative Peter Aldous.
Away from politics, he was involved with local charity of the Sentinel Leisure Trust. He supported Lowestoft Town FC.
Cllr Craig Rivett, Deputy Leader of East Suffolk Council said:
"Bob was a hugely important figure in both local and national politics and we are saddened to learn of his passing.
"He was a dedicated public servant who worked hard for the people of Waveney both during his time as the Council's Leader and as a constituency MP. The thoughts of everyone at East Suffolk Council are with his family and those close to him."
Peter Byatt, the Labour Group Leader at East Suffolk Councilor, said:
"On behalf of the Labour Group, I extend our sincere condolences to Bob’s family on their sad loss.
"Bob was an inspiration to all who knew him – many of us were encouraged to take up politics because of his influence, myself included.
"His commitment to the Lowestoft and Waveney area as our MP was outstanding – he never lost the common touch, always remembering names and faces and taking a genuine interest in people. It was a privilege to know him."