Labour frontbencher Tony Lloyd leaves intensive care and is 'on the mend' following coronavirus fight
Tony Lloyd was admitted to hospital on 6 April.
2 min read
A senior Labour frontbencher has left intensive care more than two weeks after being admitted to hospital with coronavirus.
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Tony Lloyd said he had been left "literally gasping for air" by the deadly condition.
The 70-year-old Rochdale MP said he was now "on the mend" as he thanked wellwishers for their support during his ordeal.
Mr Lloyd was admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary on 6 April - the day after Boris Johnson went into St. Thomas's Hospital in London for Covid-19 treatment.
Labour insiders said Mr Lloyd had been "very poorly", but his improved condition was confirmed in a tweet by Rochdale councillor Faisal Rana.
In it, Mr Lloyd said: "Thank you all for the many messages of support. I have now been moved out of ICU.
"It certainly is a tough condition and it has no doubt left me literally gasping for air.
"But I am happy to say that I am, and continue to be, on the mend."
Former Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott replied: "Faisal, Please pass on to Tony my best wishes and how pleased I am that he has come out of ICU."
Shadow Justice Secretary David Lammy said: "This is great news. Get well soon Tony."
Louise Haigh, who was interim Northern Ireland Secretary while Mr Lloyd was in hospital, said: "Wonderful news that Tony is out of ICU and recovering. All our thoughts and prayers are with him to get back to full health as quickly as possible."
And Yvette Cooper, chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, tweeted: "So pleased to hear this. Sending you very much love Tony."
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