Senior members of East Lothian Party will pay tribute to Chair Geoff Cornwall, who died suddenly earlier this week, at a meeting in Prestonpans tonight. The party’s executive committee will meet briefly to pay their respects to Mr Cornwall, who was also the Chair of the party’s Dunbar and East Linton branch, and record their condolences to his family and friends.

Speaking before the meeting, county MSP Iain Gray said:

“Geoff was a real Dunbar man, as well as a true Labour stalwart, a dedicated supporter and good friend, who had been an excellent Chair of the local party over the last few years. His sudden death is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts are obviously with his family and friends at this difficult time. I know local members will remember Geoff with great affection and that he will be sorely missed by everyone in the party in East Lothian.”

Fiona O’Donnell MP said:

“Geoff’s passing is really tragic news. He was a sociable and generous man with a great sense of humour. He was also a loyal party activist and good friend and my heart goes out to his family and friends. While those of us who met him through his political work will remember him as a strong voice for Labour and a dedicated Chair of the local party, the wide range of tributes paid to him demonstrate the huge impact he had.”