The whole of the Stalybridge and Hyde Constituency Labour Party is in grief this weekend at the loss of our Chair and friend, Stuart McKenzie, following emergency heart surgery in recent weeks.

Stuart was a truly wonderful and special man. Friendly, fun, clever and kind, he had so much to look forward to. That we have lost him so young, still in his twenties, is incredibly difficult to come to terms with.

In any local Labour Party the position of Chair is one of huge respect and esteem. Stuart had just taken over the role, and doing so at his age showed the real affection he was held in. Being Chair is about more than chairing meetings: in particular it’s a source of counsel and insight for the local MP, and I valued our relationship a great deal. He helped me see issues in different ways, was always thoughtful and considered, but was also great fun to have a drink with. I have no doubt he would have gone on to make a great contribution to local and national politics.

Stuart was a familiar face around town, at civic events and as a regular at Stalybridge Celtic. He also stood in the local elections in Stalybridge South on two occasions campaigning tirelessly, was recently elected to the Labour North West regional board, and enjoyed Labour Party Conference this September very much.

I am personally absolutely bereft but most of all Claire and I thinking of Stuart’s Mum Judith, and girlfriend Ella, at this unimaginable time.

Rest in peace to a true talent, a dear friend to many, and a lovely young man.