Tributes paid to Labour Party 'shining star' who died after heart op

Tributes have been paid to a young man - described as a 'shining star' in the Labour Party who has died in his 20s after undergoing heart surgery.

Stuart McKenzie, who was appointed chairman of the Stalybridge and Hyde Labour Party in a reshuffle in October,  stood twice in local elections for Stalybridge South.

MP Jonathan Reynolds, who is also Secretary of State for Trade, paid a public tribute to Stuart and described him as a 'truly wonderful and special man' who 'campaigned tirelessly'.

He said: "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.

"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.

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

In a joint statement, councillors for Dukinfield and Stalybridge, Coun Eleanor Wills, Leanne Feeley and Dave Sweeton, posted: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sad news of the passing of our ward chair Stuart McKenzie. Stuart had heart surgery in recent weeks and suffered complications following surgery.

"Stuart was a friend, a comrade and a genuinely wonderful human who will leave a huge hole in all our heart."

Gorton and Denton MP Andrew Gwynne added: "Stuart was a lovely man, and had a great future ahead of him. My deepest condolences and prayers to his friends and family."