Tommy Anderson, 68, who passed away on Monday, has been fondly remembered as a ‘tireless campaigner’ against civic cuts

Tommy Anderson, Credit: Waltham Forest Community Hub

Tributes have been paid from across the community for a well-known left-wing activist who passed away on Monday (27th January).

Tommy Anderson, 68, held a number of positions in community organisations in Waltham Forest including being Waltham Forest Trade Council’s delegate to the Greater London Association of Trade Councils.

He was also active in organising the May Day march through central London and local Workers’ Memorial Day events over many years.

Tommy also ran the charity Tommy’s Kitchen which served meals to homeless people. He passed away peacefully at his home on Monday from an undisclosed health issue.

In a statement reacting to his death, Waltham Forest Trades Council said: “Tommy is irreplaceable and will be missed, as will his energy for fundraising for local groups.”

Waltham Forest Community Hub, which Tommy supported over the years, said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved volunteer and dear friend Tommy Anderson. Tommy worked tirelessly to support the most vulnerable in our community and leaves behind an incredible legacy. Tommy was a beloved team member and will be missed.”

Unison Waltham Forest said: “Tommy was well-respected across the labour movement and well known for his charity work alongside his membership of Waltham Forest Trades Council. While we may have represented different unions, he was always a strong voice for workers’ rights and a true colleague in the fight for fairness.

“He was tenacious in his approach to supporting all. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Tommy Anderson (centre), Credit: Waltham Forest Trades Council

Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy left a tribute on Facebook saying: “I don’t quite know how to write this as it seems so unreal, but know the news we have lost our Tommy will devastate many because of our shared love for him.

“Tommy has been part of making Walthamstow the wonderful place it is for decades. A Scottish political powerhouse, he never gave up fighting for those whose voices are not heard – whether as part of his union Unite, for those in sheltered housing, the homeless or even those in the Rose and Crowne. His socialist values never faltered, and neither did his compassion.

“Funny, kind, grumpy and one of a kind, I was always worried about his health and argued with him frequently about diet and drink, but he proved us all wrong so many times.

“He became like family to us all as we mithered about him taking it easy – and grumbled as even when poorly he bossed us around because he never stopped organising something. Now the very worst news that sadly is true is that we have lost him just a few weeks from his triumphant sheltered housing party and at the time of his beloved burns.”

Waltham Forest Trades Council will share details for his funeral when it is confirmed

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