Reaction to death of union leader

Mr Sinnott's teaching career began in 1975 in Toxteth, Liverpool

Steve Sinnott was inspirational in his devotion to teaching, not just for children in Britain, but around the world.

His commitment to teachers and education will be remembered.

Our hearts go out to Steve's family at this sad time.

I know that he would have wanted the union to go ahead with all its campaigns because he believed in all of them with his heart as well as his head.

At a later stage we will have the opportunity properly to remember Steve Sinnott, to honour his achievements and to celebrate his life.

For now, the best way to mark our respect would be to maximise the effect of the campaigns to which he was so committed.

I am deeply shocked and saddened at the news of Steve's tragic and untimely death. Our thoughts are with Steve's family and friends at this very difficult time.

Steve was a passionate advocate for teachers and a great believer in the power of education to transform the life chances of children and young people.

I never doubted for one moment Steve's commitment to the teaching profession and to ensuring all children get the best possible start

We shared a common goal to put the interests of all children and young people at the heart of our policies, and he was a staunch supporter of our new department and its mission.

Of course, we did not always see eye to eye on every issue. But we never had an angry word.

And I never doubted for one moment Steve's commitment to the teaching profession and to ensuring all children get the best possible start in life.

He will be sadly missed.

I am very sad and shocked to hear of the death of Steve Sinnott, with whom my predecessors and I worked closely.

Steve was extremely passionate about improving education for all children, and in particular about closing the gap between children from deprived backgrounds and other children.

We found common ground on many issues, and Steve was a warm person with whom it was always a pleasure to work.

He will be greatly missed, not only by his family and friends, but by all those who care about improving education in Britain.

Steve's death comes as a great shock.

He was a friend and a colleague who was deeply committed to the best of trade unionism and the British education system.

Teachers, parents and students have lost a doughty fighter.

This is a great tragedy for his family, for his union and for the trade union movement.

Whatever the differences between our two unions we have always been united in wanting to do the best for teachers.

Steve will be greatly missed by his sisters and brothers in the trade union movement at home and internationally.

The thoughts of the NASUWT are with his family and members of the NUT at this very sad time.

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