Left election victory for firefighters

THE ELECTION of Matt Wrack as assistant general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is a stunning victory for the left in the union. He got 6,260 votes to 5,527 for John McGhee — who was supported by the union’s leadership — and 1,981 for a third candidate, Dean Mills.

“This is the membership giving its verdict on the total mishandling of our pay campaign,” said one London activist.

“People have voted for someone who argued against throwing in the towel. That’s incredibly positive. It shows people want the union to stand up to the government and to be more accountable.”

Matt Wrack has now put his name forward for the general secretary election in a few weeks time. Activists are determined an investigation by the FBU leadership into the election that has just taken place is not used to prevent him from standing.