Party President Farron's tribute to Andrew Reeves

 He was an extremely generous leader, inspiring huge devotion among colleagues who - like him - would always go the extra mile.

 It's amazing what you find when you actually start to read through your Conference papers.

I was really delighted to see Tim Farron pay a fulsome tribute to Andrew Reeves in his Federal Executive report to Conference. For those of us who are missing him, it's always good to see how much he was loved and appreciated. It's clear that Tim had really thought about what to say and I think his heartfelt tribute deserves circulating to a wider audience

It's with great sadness that we also have to report the loss of Andrew Reeves, who died on 3rd June of a sudden heart attack, aged just 43.

Andrew had worked tirelessly for the party for many years, first in Twickenham in 2000, helping Vince Cable getting re-elected, then in Southwark doing the same in 2005 for Simon Hughes.

He then became a London Campaigns Officer, running Brian Paddick's bid for the mayoralty, before moving to Edinburgh in 2008 to become Scotland Campaign Director.
Andrew threw himself into each campaign with great determination, ensuring each of his teams retained a sense of perspective and fun. He was an extremely generous leader, inspiring huge devotion among colleagues who - like him - would always go the extra mile.

Many activists will know Andrew from his work running the exhibition halls each conference. His calmness under pressure and immense professionalism kept the show on the road on numerous occasions - skills learnt in a previous career as a catering manager. He was also a staple at the conference bar, holding forth with wisdom and humour into the small hours.

The affection Andrew was held in was reflected by the scores of people who travelled to Edinburgh for his funeral and the many more who came to London in July for a memorial service. The thoughts of the whole of FE are with his husband, Roger, and the rest of his family. He will be missed by all.

I suspect a few glasses will be raised to Andrew in various bars in Birmingham.