Sir George served in Sir Tony Blair’s government, first at the Home Office between 1997 and 1999, and then at the Northern Ireland Department until 2001.
He was knighted in the 2019 Birthday Honors for parliamentary and political service.
Sir George was born in Prescott and educated at Huyton High School and later worked as a mechanic, engineer and further education teacher.
Before entering Parliament, Sir George began his political career in local government in 1971. He later served on Knowsley Borough Council, becoming its deputy leader, before being elected MP for Knowsley North.
Boundary changes in 2010 created the new constituency of Knowsley.
Seven years later, he retained his seat with 85% of the vote.
Knowsley Council leader Graham Morgan said Sir George was an “outstanding champion of Knowsley throughout his life”.
He said he had given more than five decades to serving people in the area, championing causes close to his constituents and supporting major projects including the Shakespeare Northern Theatre.
“Having worked as a councilor and even deputy leader of Knowsley council before he entered Parliament, he was a man who really understood the area and was passionate about wanting the best for the area and local people,” he said.
“He left a lasting legacy in the area he was so proud to grow up in and represent.”