Message from Clare Short, former MP, which was read at Geoff's funeral: Dear Jane I am so sorry I cannot make it to Norfolk on Wednesday. Here is a message from me and Lewis Minkin We were both very sorry to hear that Geoff has died. I have very warm and respectful memories of the years we worked together on the NEC. He had a fine mind and a deep commitment to the best of Labour Party values. He contributed greatly to the regeneration of party thinking after 1983. Lewis Minkin - who is one of the Labour Party's greatest contemporary historians- said " Geoff had a vigorous and rich commitment to the party's procedures and purposes. His death is a reminder to us if what we have lost since Blair came to power" We offer our sincere condolences to you and all Geoff's family and friends for the loss of a very fine man Best wishes