Tributes paid to prominent activist who was still delivering election leaflets until her 90th birthday
Vera was said to be a formidable force in the party.
Tributes have been paid to a prominent member and activist of the Labour Party, Vera Brydon, who has died aged 98.
Active on many fronts in the Labour movement, she announced reluctantly she was giving up delivering election material on her 90th birthday.
Born and living in Silksworth all her life, she joined the Labour Party in the Miners Hall in Blind Lane during the post war Atlee government and in the year her beloved NHS was established.
She became to be known as a formidable force at Labour Party meetings, especially in the Women’s Sections of which she was a great advocate.
Vera had a keen interest in local council affairs and identified and nurtured many young councillors and political figures.
While she was never interested in standing for public office, she gave her time to many outside bodies as a council nominee and volunteer - and was instrumental at spotting the talents of newly elected MPs.
A young Tony Blair was invited to Sunderland to present his views and it was said it helped launch his wider political career.
Some years later, the then Prime Minister with his wife Cherie returned the invitation and came back to Sunderland to open the new Portland School where Vera was a proud governor.
Tributes have poured in from many in the Labour movement.
Chair of the Houghton &Sunderland Constituency Labour Party,Phil Tye, said: “Vera, was a one off - dedicated, loyal and traditional Labour through and through.
“Many of us owe a lot to her guidance and help as do a lot of senior people in the Labour Party who have benefited from her direct talking on subjects of the day over the years. Many wanted her approval as they made their way in politics”
Baroness Joyce Quin said: “Vera was a great inspiration to me from the first time I met her in the run up to the European elections.
“Her devotion to the Labour Party as the vehicle to build a fairer and more equal society was evident from the start but she combined that with a gift for motivating and encouraging others.
“She was a brilliant organiser especially of the women’s movement. She was also warm hearted, always ready to share a good laugh and to give support and help in the ups and downs of political life. I hope the memory of her amazing long and devoted service to public and political life continues to inspire.”
The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP said: “The late Vera Brydon was a legend of our local Labour Party. She contributed so much to the Labour party and her work in the community was outstanding. She will be sorely missed and as one who campaigned alongside her I will miss her kindness and dedication to build a better future for all of us.”
Vera Brydon’s funeral will take place on Wednesday, May 27 at 1.30pm at St Matthew’s Church. Silksworth Road, Silksworth