CIRC 071: DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY MR JOE SIMPSON

It is with a great deal of sadness that I must report the distressing news that Deputy General Secretary Joe Simpson has died after a courageous battle against cancer.

I received the news from his partner Emma Baker on Friday 27^th September 2024 at 08.45am. At Emma’s request I delayed putting a Circular out until all of Joe Simpson’s family had been informed as it would have been distressing for them if POA members were informed prior to them and I will always respect the wishes of his partner and family. I now have permission to put this Circular out.

This is a difficult time for Emma Baker and his family and I would ask the membership to be respectful of their privacy at this difficult time. I am also aware when I informed the NEC, FTO’s and Support staff that this is an incredibly difficult and distressing time for them as it is for me as well.

I spoke to Joe Simpson in private on 17^th September 2024 when I visited him in hospital, and he knew he did not have long to live because all treatment was being stopped but no one anticipated it would be this quick. I pay tribute to Joe Simpson as he insisted on working for the POA right up until the end. This was the measure of the man always putting others before himself. To me he wasn’t just the Deputy General Secretary of the POA he was my friend, as he was to the NEC, FTOs, Support staff and many more within the POA and indeed he was highly respected within the Trade Union movement, by politicians and employers alike. He will be sadly missed.

There will be many more tributes to Joe in the coming weeks and months but for now I am sure you will agree it is paramount that we support his partner Emma Baker and Joe’s family in the coming days and weeks.

I know many in the POA will wish to send cards of condolences and messages to the family, but I ask that they are sent via Cronin House for the attention of Angela Sinclair asone@poauk.org.uk who will pass the messages onto Emma Baker and the family.

The Deputy General Secretary Joe Simpson will live long in the memory of the POA and I simply offer my condolences to his partner Emma, his daughter, daughter in law, sister and 3 young grandchildren at this extremely difficult and sad time.

 

Yours sincerely

STEVE GILLAN
General Secretary