A tribute from Alan Williams

Jack Stevens and his wife Betty were two of the first members of Hornchurch Labour Party l met when l attended my first meeting of the Hacton Labour Party in 1971. They soon became firm friends.

Their contribution to Hornchurch Labour Party cannot be over estimated. They were loyal though thick and thin, in success and defeat. They were always there whether at election time, Branch meetings or fish and chip suppers.

They supported me in a very real way when l was elected to the GLC in 1981 and in our gloomy days of the 1983 and 1987. But how they enjoyed coming to County Hall!

Jack of course went on to be Chairman of Hornchurch Labour Party. I always recall his delight when John Cryer won the seat in 1997 and he went on to support John in his time in the House of Commons in the 8 years he represented Hornchurch. I know that John joins me in saluting a hard working man who had a great social conscience and was admired not just in the Party but in the wider community. He had a full and active life. He will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts are with his son Gary and his family today.

Alan  Williams Former GLC Member for Hornchurch , Havering Councillor and Labour candidate for Hornchurch in the 1983 and 1987 General Elections