Top union elections get underway

This month will see the start of a ballot for a new general secretary of the GMB general union to replace John Edmonds, who is retiring in June.

The candidates will be three current regional secretaries - Kevin Curran (Northern), Paul Kenny (London) and Robert Parker (Scotland). The ballot starts on 21 March and closes on 14 April.

There will be a simultaneous ballot for a new deputy general secretary, which has attracted six candidates, to replace Steve Pickering.

Meanwhile the T&G has confirmed it will shortly be electing a new leader to replace Bill Morris, who is retiring. Nominations run between 24 March and 2 April and voting closes on 30 May.

Names currently in the ring include deputy general secretary Tony Woodley, two assistant general secretaries - Barry Camfield and Jim Elsby - and national organiser Jack Dromey.

And the 113,000-strong ATL teachers' union will begin the election this month for a new general secretary to replace Peter Smith, who has retired. It will be a three-cornered contest.