Long service awards for Labour stalwarts Steve and Joyce
Two political activists who have campaigned for the Labour Party for half a century have received long service awards.
Steve and Joyce Smith were handed their awards at their Graiseley home by MP Eleanor Smith, who represents the Wolverhampton South West constituency which they have been members of for 50 years.
The MP said: “Steve and Joyce both thoroughly deserve this recognition.
"They have been active, reliable, valued and hard-working party members. They are stalwarts of the Graiseley ward.
"Steve and Joyce are excellent models of the kind of members the Labour party needs to honour, respect, and encourage. It was a great pleasure to meet such committed and dedicated members."
Graiseley councillor John Reynolds said Steve had built up a deserved reputation as "an excellent public speaker and debater" and was known for having a "formidable approach on the doorstep".
He added that Joyce had been Steve's "great support" and was a regular at ward party meetings, while they had previously served as joint ward secretaries for many years.
"A visit to the house always involves a discussion about current topics and takes much longer than expected because of it," Councillor Reynolds said.
"It is, though, always a pleasure to talk with two such committed, dedicated and knowledgeable members.
"Joyce and Steve thoroughly deserve this recognition."
