Nigel de Gruchy, the NASUWT chief, yesterday accused a generation of "ambitious and self seeking" politicians of wrecking the UK's education system.

He accused Tony Blair of vanity and slammed "a few chosen special advisers and a few motley millionaires" in his court.

During his valedictory speech, he also urged the prime minister to "restore democracy" to the Labour Party, parliament and the cabinet.

Union members voted in favour of pay strikes and for a ban on faith schools.