Prominent union activist dies suddenly

A former actor who became a prominent activist in Parliament has died suddenly of a heart attack.

Simeon Andrews, from Clapham, represented six of Britain’s biggest trade unions in the House of Commons.

But that was after a career treading the boards and appearing on TV as an actor in soaps such as Coronation Street, Casualty, EastEnders and The Bill.

He also had parts in Inspector Morse, Brass and two TV movies, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby and The Cry.

Simeon also put himself up to be Labour’s candidate in Streatham in 2008, losing out to Chuka Umunna.

Simeon co-ordinated the legislative lobbying of Unions inclUding the National Union of JoUrnalists, the Fire Brigades’ Union, the Rail, Maritime and Transport employees Union, the ASLEF practice drivers’ Union and the PCS civil servants’ Union in the HoUse of Commons.

One of his biggest political triumphs was to orchestrate parliamentary opposition to legislation to allow 90-day detention without trial on terrorism charges in 2004. His work ensured Tony Blair’s New Labour suffered its first ever legislative defeat on the issue.

Labour deputy leader John McDonnell led the tributes in the Commons at Treasury questions this week by offering “our sympathies to his family”.

An Early Day Motion in the Commons sponsored by Vauxhall MP Kate Hoey said: “That this House is shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Simeon Andrews, whose advice and assistance has proved invaluable to so many Labour movement comrades and Parliamentary colleagues; pays tribute to his success in creating and co-ordinating several union parliamentary groups and cross-party groups; notes his earlier achievements as an actor with the Royal Shakespeare Company; remembers him as a principled trade unionist and socialist; further notes his passionate commitment to the arts, animal rights and Liverpool FC; and offers sincere condolences to his partner and daughter.”

Ms Hoey added: “Simeon was a principled and dedicated socialist who spent his life campaigning for the rights of trade Unionists and for a more equal society.

“He will be much missed by all of us in Parliament who worked closely with him to ensure that the voices of working people were not ignored.”

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: “Simeon was always a pleasure to deal with and brought an extra dimension to whatever we worked on together. I am deeply shocked to hear of his sudden death and send heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues.”

Mr Andrews had been an architect of the Labour Party’s shift to the left after Tony Blair’s resignation as leader. In 2004, he organised a summit of about 400 party members, MPs and activists to form the ‘Labour Representation Committee’ – aimed at rebuilding a ‘Socialist consensus’ within the party opposing Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

Simeon is survived by a partner Cathy and daughter.