26 June 2003
I am delighted that the majority of theExecutive voted to ensure that the wishes of the membership and the decision ofConference are protected.
Those members of the Executive whodefeated the Sinnott groups conspiracy to dismiss me as the elected GeneralSecretary have endorsed my stand against the policies of the other teacherorganizations and the Government on allowing unqualified persons to teach wholeclasses.
They have also ensured that the vitalcampaigns on funding of education, reduction of teachers workload, the removalof national tests, and on London allowances can go forward without distraction.
If the vote had gone the other way, itwould have given comfort to the other teacher organizations and delighted theEducation Secretary, Charles Clarke. It would be seen as a rejection of myleadership and policies. It would have led the Union into a period of internalstrife and caused confusion amongst the membership.
Now the work of the Union can continuewithout unnecessary distraction.
The proposed timetable for the election wasdefeated by 21 to 15 votes.