TRIBUTES have been paid to a Leeds communist who has died at the age of 89.

Harvey Wagenheim joined the Young Communist League as a young man in the 1940s. His parents, Sam and Chloe, were communists who moved to Leeds from north-west England. His grandparents came to Britain from Lithuania.

After leaving school he worked for 20 years in the tailoring industry including for Burton’s at a time when Leeds was recognised as the heart of the industry worldwide.

He was later a postman and worked in the Royal Mail’s parcels division.

In the Communist Party he worked alongside figures such as national industrial organiser Bert Ramelson.

Michael McGowan, former Labour Euro-MP for Leeds, said: “Harvey was an absolutely committed socialist. He was an internationalist. His home was regularly filled with visitors from overseas. He visited Cuba.

“He was also a great supporter of the Morning Star.”

Mr Wagenheim, who died on March 28, leaves his wife Brenda, three stepsons and grandchildren.