Flavin bids to revive UCATT's branch life

John Flavin, a former member of UCATT's executive council, has confirmed that he wants to stand for election to succeed George Brumwell as the union's general secretary.

Flavin will campaign for a return to direct employment and greater union democracy through revitalisation of branch life and a strong voice to the rank and file.

Brumwell is not due to retire under the union's rules until he reaches 65 in October 2004. But it is envisaged that there will be an election next year so that his successor will have a running in period of at least 12 months.

Flavin is a former leader of the UCATT London region. He later became a member of the then full-time UCATT executive council during a period of bitter internecine union strife in the 1990s. More recently, he describes himself as an industrial and safety training adviser.

"I am receiving strong support from the London region, from the North West, and from both Irish regions," he said. He believes he is the only likely candidate with national experience.

Union sources do not rate Flavin's chances highly, but he may derive some encouragement from the recent shock Amicus electricians' union ballot result (CJ 24 July).

Other likely front runners are thought to include Alan Ritchie, Scottish regional secretary, and Trevor Vernon, Midlands secretary.