15 April 2005
Debbie Coulter, the current deputy general secretary of the GMB, is likely to succeed Kevin Curran, who stood down as leader of the general union last week.
GMB sources told Public Finance that the union's leadership and membership would 'very strongly' favour Coulter should she decide to stand.
Curran stood down on April 7 during the union's inquiry into allegations of vote-rigging during his 2003 election campaign.
That inquiry continues, but the union's central executive council has issued a statement saying it has reached an 'amicable agreement' with Curran 'designed to resolve recent disagreements between both parties'.
The CEC will meet on April 19 to decide the timetable for replacing Curran.
Paul Kenny, the union's London regional secretary, has been appointed as interim general secretary and treasurer. In taking that post, he has precluded himself from standing as leader in any forthcoming election.
Kenny is considered a potential general secretary in the long term, and a GMB insider said his decision to effectively stand aside was a 'firm indication' that the path was being cleared for Coulter.
Should she decide to stand as general secretary, Kenny could seek election as her deputy.
The GMB said: '[The] decision has been taken to support Debbie Coulter… in whom the CEC have expressed their utmost confidence.'
Around 40% of the GMB's 615,000 members are based in the public sector.
PFapr2005
