Jim,I agree and disagree,I was not a fan of his politics either, but then I dont share the same politics as other esteemed singers[Iam constantly surprised by how many Conservatives there are on the English Folk scene]
but I disagree with you about his singing,he had some qualities, that many other singers dont have,the abilty to enter into the story of a song, in a QUITE different way to MacColl,but able to bring it to life just as well.
Peter Bellamy[imo] was a spontaneous singer,I doubt if he ever sang the sanme song in exactly the same fashion.