Left wins FBU leadership

Socialist Resistance no25 | page 2

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Matt Wrack's decisive victory over

Andy Gilchrist in the battle for General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union was another piece of good news for sleepy activists on

May 6, still absorbing the news of

George Galloway's victory for Respect in Bethnal Green.

Wrack, previously Secretary of the London Region of the union, with his

12,833 votes beat incumbent Andy Gilchrist (7,259 votes) by almost 2:1. Fire fighters, who have shown their

determination to fight time and again over the last couple of years, have clearly had enough of a leader prepared to compromise with government and employers with nothWing to show for it. Wrack's victory strengthens those in the leadership of the unions preSpared to really represent their

members, whatever New Labour

may threaten. more