PCS leader quits ballot

Voting is underway in the TUC's eighth largest union to elect a new general secretary after the sitting candidate withdrew from the process. Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) are choosing between just two candidates- current assistant general secretary Hugh Lanning and Mark Serwotka.

Lanning is supported by the New Labour orientated Membership First group, among others, while Serwotka is described as "independent socialist" and is receiving the support of the Left Unity group.

Barry Reamsbottom, who has been sharing the top post since the union was formed in March 1998, rejected allegations that he pulled out because he failed to get the required 50 branch nominations to be a candidate. He told Labour Research it was because he did not see why he should "stand in an election for a position I hold until 2002."

The early election was called following a decision by the union's delegate conference, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by a membership ballot.