Veteran Labour MP Sir Tony Lloyd has said he is suffering from an “untreatable” form of leukaemia.

The Rochdale MP, who has represented the constituency since 2017 and has been an MP since 1983, had been receiving chemotherapy for a form of blood cancer.

In a statement, he said: “I have been receiving treatment for some time for a form of blood cancer which has been controlled by chemotherapy.

“Unfortunately this has now transformed into an aggressive and untreatable form of leukaemia and I will be leaving hospital today to spend the time I have left with my family.

Tony is admired and respected throughout the Labour Party, and we are indebted to him for his lifetime of service. Our thoughts are with him and his family at this time

“I ask for privacy for both myself and my family at this time.”

The 73-year-old MP said: “My office will remain open to continue to support my constituents.”

Sir Tony, who previously represented the constituencies of Manchester Central and Stretford, served as chair of the parliamentary Labour Party between 2006 and 2010.

A junior minister for some of Sir Tony Blair’s first term in office, he also held a number of key opposition roles during Jeremy Corbyn’s time as leader including shadow housing minister and shadow secretary of state for Northern Ireland.

In 2020, he was admitted to intensive care after contracting Covid-19.

Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Sir Tony, who he said was “admired and respected” across the party.

The Labour leader said: “I am deeply saddened by the update today from Sir Tony Lloyd on his illness. I know that sadness will be shared across the Labour Party and beyond.

“Tony has spent 40 years of his life in public service in many different roles. That lifelong sense of duty has seen him work tirelessly for local communities as an MP, ensure people‘s safety as Police and Crime Commissioner in Manchester, and build stronger relationships across the country and around the world as a government minister and in the shadow cabinet.

“Tony’s election as chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party in 2006 showed the esteem in which he is held by colleagues. He is renowned for his kindness, his sense of fairness, his commitment to his principles and his thoughtfulness.

“Tony is admired and respected throughout the Labour Party, and we are indebted to him for his lifetime of service. Our thoughts are with him and his family at this time.”

Politicians from across the spectrum also sent support to the long-serving parliamentarian.

Labour frontbencher Lucy Powell, who succeeded Sir Tony as Manchester Central MP after he stepped down as part of his successful bid to become the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner, said it was “incredibly sad news”.

“I know many people across Manchester Central – where he is regularly talked about & remembered fondly as the former MP – will want to send their very best wishes to him & his family. Take care,” she posted on social media.

Conservative MP Robert Buckland, who chairs the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on which Sir Tony sits, sent his “very best wishes” while Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said she was “so very sorry”.

Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: “I am so sorry to hear this Tony. Absolutely typical of you that your first action is to make sure your constituents are cared for. You are an inspiration to us all as always.”