I wrote in the FT over the New Year about the leadership election for the Amicus wing of super-union Unite*. Derek Simpson is facing a challenge brought about by his determination to remain as co-head of the union until 2011.

Why should we care? Because Unite is by far the biggest donor to the Labour party, a position which could change if Mr Simpson is toppled.

Anyway, I was told today that all four challengers - all of which are entirely credible** - have all gained sufficient nominations from branches (at least 25 each) to go ahead with the contest. This should be fascinating.  

* Now widely known as “Disunite” due to the personality splits at the top of the organisation.

**  They are: Laurence Faircloth, regional officer for the south-west. Paul Reuter, national officer for Royal Mail and steel. Kevin Coyne, regional officer for the north-west. Jerry Hicks, former convenor for Rolls-Royce in Bristol.

Hicks and Faircloth have both said that they would re-examine Unite’s position as the major Labour donor.

January 12, 2009 4:58pm in Labour, UK politics, Unions | Comment