Two new union leaders join independent squad

The general secretary elect of the T&G general union, Tony Woodley, will in practice take up his position at the helm of the union this month following the union's biennial delegate conference.

Although current leader Bill Morris, whose knighthood was announced last month, does not officially retire until November, Woodley will be keen to stamp his authority on the union after winning the leadership ballot at the end of May (see table).

Woodley's election re-confirms the insistence by union members of supporting candidates who make clear their independence from the Labour government. He has reaffirmed his "loyalty to Labour" but says he will convene a meeting of like-minded general secretaries to consider how to put the "Labour back into the party".

His victory, however, leaves the union with another important election to run - that for the deputy general secretary's position which he will be vacating. His closest rival in the leadership contest, Jack Dromey, has announced he is to stand.

Meanwhile, in the CWU communications union, a deputy general secretary election resulted in victory for left winger David Ward, who defeated incumbent John Keggie.

Ward won by 19,404 votes to 16,814 in a 22% turnout.

T&G results

Tony Woodley 66,958

Jack Dromey 45,136

Barry Camfield 28,346

Jimmy Elsby 13,336

Turnout 20.9%