Leader pays tribute to Charlie’s loyalty

Labour stalwart Charlie McGhee received a double surprise when he celebrated 40 years as a party member.

At a special ceremony, he was presented with a framed personal letter from Labour leader Neil Kinnock thanking him for his services, we told in October 1986.

And he also accepted a framed letter from local Labour activists in the Paisley South constituency.

The letter from Mr Kinnock was handed over by the Paisley South MP Norman Buchan.

He was accompanied by John Rafferty, secretary of the Paisley South constituency.

Charlie never held high office in the party but had become well known for his contribution to the Labour cause over the decades.

His service was brought to the attention of Mr Kinnock some months ago.

In his letter to Charlie, he commented on the fact that Charlie always wears two badges – a Labour badge and an engineering union badge.

Charlie was a keen cricketer in his youth and Mr Kinnock commented on the fact: “For a Scotsman to combine trade union and Labour work AND cricket shows a real mark of individuality and achievement.”

Mr Kinnock praised Charlie as a “staunch, hardworking and loyal member, as well as being ‘self-effacing’ and putting the movement before yourself.”

He added: “We salute you and thank you.”

The letter was signed by Mr Kinnock.

In addition to receiving the letters Charlie was also given life membership of the party.