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Teacher union leader Sinnott dies Teacher union leader Sinnott dies
(about 1 hour later)
Steve Sinnott, general secretary of one the biggest teaching unions in England and Wales, has died. Steve Sinnott, general secretary of one the biggest teaching unions in England and Wales, has died aged 56.
The National Union of Teachers, led by Mr Sinnott since 2004, said his sudden death on Saturday was "a tragic loss". The National Union of Teachers, led by Mr Sinnott since 2004, said his sudden death on Saturday was "a tragic loss". He leaves a wife and two children.
He was born in Liverpool and began teaching there. He was in his mid-50s, and leaves a wife, Mary, two children and two grandchildren. PM Gordon Brown said the former teacher and unionist had been "inspirational in his devotion to teaching".
His death comes just days after the union voted for its first national strike for more than 20 years. Mr Sinnott's death comes just days after the union voted for its first national strike for more than 20 years.
Ed Balls, secretary of state for children, schools and families, paid tribute to the union leader, expressing admiration for his "commitment to the teaching profession". He was born in Liverpool and began his teaching career there in 1975, continuing teaching until his election as NUT deputy general secretary in 1994.
Mr Sinnott leaves a wife, Mary, a son, daughter and two grandchildren.
"Steve Sinnott was inspirational in his devotion to teaching, not just for children in Britain, but around the world," said the prime minister.
"His commitment to teachers and education will be remembered."
Ed Balls, secretary of state for children, schools and families, also paid tribute to the union leader, expressing admiration for his "commitment to the teaching profession".
Teachers, parents and students have lost a doughty fighter Brendan BarberTUC general secretary Reaction to death
The minister said he was "deeply shocked and saddened" at the news of the union leader's "untimely death".The minister said he was "deeply shocked and saddened" at the news of the union leader's "untimely death".
'Sadly missed'
"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," said Mr Balls."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," said Mr Balls.
Teachers, parents and students have lost a doughty fighter Brendan BarberTUC general secretary
"I know from our many meetings and phone calls that he believed strongly that every child matters and deserves the best."I know from our many meetings and phone calls that he believed strongly that every child matters and deserves the best.
"We shared a common goal to put the interests of all children and young people at the heart of our policies."We shared a common goal to put the interests of all children and young people at the heart of our policies.
"Of course, we did not always see eye to eye on every issue. But we never had an angry word.""Of course, we did not always see eye to eye on every issue. But we never had an angry word."
The minister said Mr Sinnott "will be sadly missed".The minister said Mr Sinnott "will be sadly missed".
'Deeply committed''Deeply committed'
Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, said: "Steve's death comes as a great shock.Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, said: "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."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.""Teachers, parents and students have lost a doughty fighter."
The leader of the rival union NASUWT, Chris Keates, said Mr Sinnott's passing was "a great tragedy for his family, for his union and for the trade union movement".The leader of the rival union NASUWT, Chris Keates, said Mr Sinnott's passing was "a great tragedy for his family, for his union and for the trade union movement".
Ms Keates added: "Whatever the differences between our two unions we have always been united in wanting to do the best for teachers." For now, the best way to mark our respect would be to maximise the effect of the campaigns to which he was so committed Christine BlowerNUT acting general secretary Ms Keates added: "Whatever the differences between our two unions we have always been united in wanting to do the best for teachers."
The union leader's death comes just days after he spoke about a teachers' strike planned for 24 April in a campaign to stop the government imposing real-terms pay "cuts" on teachers. The union leader's death comes just days after his union voted to strike on 24 April in a campaign to stop the government imposing real-terms pay "cuts" on teachers.
Following her colleague's death, NUT acting general secretary Christine Blower said: "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."
Mr Sinnott had been a member of the NUT since 1974.Mr Sinnott had been a member of the NUT since 1974.