21 March 2003
Kevin Curran, a staunch opponent of government plans to introduce foundation hospitals, has emerged as the favourite to succeed John Edmonds as general secretary of the powerful GMB union later this year.
Ballot papers for the leadership contest were sent to all 700,000 GMB members this week. Curran, who has led the union's Northwest campaigns for the past six years, faces opposition from just one other senior officer, London organiser Paul Kenny.
The election has been forced upon the union, following Edmonds' decision to retire a year earlier than anticipated so that the GMB can elect a new general secretary at the same time as it elects its deputy. Edmonds has led the union, which has a large public services membership, since 1986.
A senior source at the union's HQ in London told Public Finance that Curran, a former welder, is 'the likeliest successor to Edmonds'.
Curran is expected to campaign on an anti-privatisation, increased minimum wage ticket. Union members will choose from six candidates for the deputy general secretary's post.
The result of both ballots will be announced on April 15.
PFmar2003
