I want to express my respect and admiration for Stan. He was a great man and MP for Harlow who gave so much to the town. I know from all my time as MP that he commanded respect within the community across the political spectrum. For years after Stan ceased to be MP, I would meet constituents who would speak of Stan with respect and admiration.
I know he always brought very genuine beliefs and profound values to his Socialism and politics. Stan brought commitment, belief and principle to the practice of politics. He was a true example for good in public life.
His commitment to Harlow, its people, its civic culture and history was very deep, as anyone in authority for the town knew well. Whether it was the council, the College, other public agencies or businesses, they always acknowledged to me that Stan was a force to be recognised, listened to and respected.
Stan’s commitment to education also shone through all he did. I saw that particularly when we found common cause in fighting for Harlow College
I also hugely appreciated from the moment I was first selected as Labour’s candidate for Harlow Stan’s personal support for me.
Stan’s principles guided all he did. That came through in a story Geoff Hoon the former Defence Secretary once told me, and I relayed this to Stan. When they were both MEP’s Geoff was running Stan’s campaign to be leader of the EPLP. Geoff said he had the votes for Stan to be elected. But because Stan would not compromise on one particular policy issue, Stan lost by 1 vote. Geoff told me the story with affection and respect for Stan.
And Stan brought so-called old-fashioned virtues to his politics-honesty, decency, respect and a willingness to debate and engage with others.
Stan was a fundamentally good and decent man, and he will be very sorely missed.
Bill Rammell Former MP for Harlow