Charities, businesses and politicians have paid tribute to Neil Jameson, the founder and former executive director of Citizens UK, who has passed away.
Jameson worked for more than five decades in the charity sector, holding roles at Save the Children and the Children’s Society.
In 1989, he founded what is now known as Citizens UK and led the charity as its first executive director until he stepped down in 2018.
He helped launch the Living Wage campaign in 2001, which resulted in £1bn in higher wages for low-income workers, and campaigned for government to implement a cap on the total cost of credit, curbing the power of pay-day lenders.
He also challenged government policy on asylum and refugee resettlement to welcome those fleeing violence and conflict and open up legal routes for unaccompanied minors.
In 2019, Jameson stood as the Green Party parliamentary candidate for Poplar and Limehouse in east London.
Jameson was ‘a visionary’
Matthew Bolton, executive director of Citizens UK, said Jameson was a “visionary who had the courage and skills to bring community organising to the UK”.
“Neil’s vision and pioneering work led to tens of thousands of active citizens campaigning for change across the UK and this is a legacy that goes from strength to strength. Neil offered communities a method for listening, building power and public action, which in turn strengthened relationships across civil society and made our democracy stronger.
“We will honour his legacy with public celebration in due course but today, we pause to thank Neil for all the foundations he laid, the lives he touched and the achievements he set in motion.”
‘A change maker and peace builder’
The Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) and the Living Wage Foundation tweeted that they are “saddened” and devastated to hear about the passing of Jameson, with the former describing him as “a real servant leader, change maker and peace builder”.
“We have lost a great pillar for social justice and community cohesion. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues,” MCF wrote.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Neil Jameson was tireless in campaigning for social justice and his commitment and passion improved the lives of thousands of Londoners across our city.
“He will be much missed, but his legacy will live on. My thoughts are with his family and friends today.”
