UNISON National Executive Council shifts to the left

 The results of the elections to the UNISON National Executive Council (NEC) declared today mark a significant shift to the left. 36 of the successful candidates had supported Paul Holmes (who had come a strong second in the General Secretary election earlier this year, with the best result of any rank and file challenger for that position) and a further 4 had been supporters of Hugo Pierre.

The comrades who have been elected to the UNISON NEC will find that the hard work starts now - but for today I hope that they will have the opportunity to raise a glass to toast these incredible results. Having served fourteen years as part of an often small and embattled left-wing minority on that NEC I am incredibly pleased to see my trade union make this positive step forward.

UNISON officials need to work positively and constructively with the Union’s elected lay leadership and forge a new partnership which can protect the interests of our members and potential members in the increasingly challenging times ahead. 

This is a collective achievement the seeds of which were sown four years ago by comrades, in particular, from the North West Region - but these seeds have blossomed following the excellent General Secretary campaign waged by Paul and his supporters.

Well done comrades.

Update on Friday evening - 37 not 36! Mea culpa (and thanks Paul for correcting me - you have always been one for numbers!)