Brian Mawhinney: Former Football League chairman dies aged 79

Former Cabinet minister and Football League chairman Brian Mawhinney has died aged 79 after battling a long illness, his family said.

Lord Mawhinney, who served as Tory Party chairman from 1995 to 1997 under Sir John Major's government, died on Saturday evening.

He was Football League chairman for seven years from 2003.

During his time there, he introduced the fit and proper persons test for prospective club directors and the publication of club spending on agents' fees.

In a statement his family said: "His death brings an end to a life dedicated to public service and rooted in an unwavering Christian faith."

"He was a much loved husband, father and grandfather and a friend to many. He will be much missed."

Mawhinney was knighted in 1997 and created a life peer in 2005.