There were only a few times that I spoke with John. But he had a huge influence on my political thought and activity. As a young trade union militant, his Arguments for Revolutionary Socialism (1987) reinforced my view that despite the dominance of Thatcherism, the working class still had the power to create a better world. In his writings and talks from Leninism to art his ability to explain and make concepts clear shone through. We once walked together the length of Brick Lane in East London from a political event to a night club and he was such lovely and fascinating company – I learned a lot in that twenty minutes. My deepest condolences to all those that loved and shall miss him terribly.