When Derek Foster was Labour chief whip, I was his opposite number in the government. I want to pay tribute to the scale of his decency and personal kindness, as well as the quiet strength of his commitment to public service. Derek’s dedication to his duties, and rectitude, made him a formidable opponent for whom I retained the highest admiration. The Labour party and north-east England were fortunate to be served by the potency of his devotion to their causes.
