GMB elects Kenny

Paul Kenny, who has been acting leader of the GMB general union for the past 14 months, has been elected unopposed as the union’s general secretary and treasurer.

Kenny, previously secretary of the GMB’s London Region, took over at the union’s helm when former general secretary Kevin Curran resigned following a row about an independent inquiry over alleged ballot irregularities. The union’s 2005 Congress was reconvened in March to make rule changes in the light of that inquiry and paved the way for Kenny’s election.

Describing himself as “a lifelong Labour Party member and a strong supporter of the links between the Labour Party and the trade unions”, Kenny has been critical of Labour’s approach to privatisation and PFI. A union press release said he has “a history of an aggressive approach to industrial relations which he has taken with him to the top job.”

The GMB 2006 Congress, which takes place this month, will discuss whether to proceed with merger talks with the other two large general unions, Amicus and the T&G, with several branches having tabled motions calling for immediate withdrawal from the talks.