THE father of missing chef Claudia Lawrence who had worked tirelessly to find his daughter has died aged 74 following a short illness.

Peter died on Thursday, February 11 at St Leonard’s Hospice in York, following a short illness.

The former solicitor, who worked in Malton, where his family, including Claudia grew up, was 74.

Mr Lawrence was awarded his OBE in recognition for his services to the families of missing people including helpting to create new laws to help families look after the affairs of missing loved ones.
The legislation - known as Claudia’s Law - was given Royal Assent in Parliament in April 2017, following six years of campaigning by the charity Missing People and Peter.
Martin Dales, a friend of and spokesman for Peter, praised his “tireless,” work in the search for his daughter, who went missing from York in March 2009, aged 35, and has never been found.

Mr Dales said: “Peter will be sorely missed by his family and friends who request privacy at this sad time and there will be no further comments from the family.

“It is sad that nearly 12 years after Claudia’s disappearance from York Peter never found out what has happened to her.

“He was a very private person thrust into the full glare of the media and despite a tireless campaign to find her, he also selflessly devoted himself to helping others with missing relatives through the charity Missing People."

“He also utilised his legal background to persuade Parliament to bring in firstly changes to the Presumption of Death Act and then the creation of the new Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act, known as Claudia’s Law, to assist people in dealing with the financial & business affairs of a missing person and for this work he received the OBE in 2018.

“Despite Peter’s death, the message remains the same - where is Claudia? Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.”

Claudia was born in Westow Croft Maternity Home and attended St Andrew’s School in Malton, where she lived with her dad Peter, mum Joan and older sister Ali.

Claudia was last seen on CCTV on her way home from work at the University of York on March 18 2009, The following day, she failed to arrive for her 6am shift.

Police launched a huge search and missing person appeal, but, despite their efforts and a £1 million murder inquiry, her disappearance remains a mystery to this day.