ONCE AGAIN, Socialist Party member Roger Bannister has won a very respectable vote in the Unison general secretary election.
He spoke to Jane James shortly after the vote was announced: “Against the background of the Con-Dem government and today’s budget statement heralding major attacks on public sector workers, the result of the general secretary election shows increased support for socialism and militant trade unionism. I believe this is the beginning of the process of radicalisation of Unison members which will be accelerated as the Con-Dem attacks continue.
“As I predicted, the result for the United Left demonstrates once again the lack of support for their programme and tactics.
“In particular, the failure in the United Left to put forward a clear position on disaffiliation from the Labour Party meant they suffered in this ballot.
“If they do not re-consider their position as a result of this election then the only victors will be the right wing at next year’s national executive elections.”
Results:
Dave Prentis (current gen sec. and Labour) 145,351 votes (67.2%)
Roger Bannister (Socialist Party member) 42,651 votes (19.7%)
Paul Holmes (United Left) 28,114 votes (13%)
Turnout: around 17%
