FBU ENDORSE LABOURS CANDIDATES FOR THE NEW COUNCIL

Brigade union backs Labour
Candidates for super-council win support
Dave Black
FIREFIGHTERS’ leaders in Northumberland have given their support to the Labour Party in next month’s elections for the new super-council which will run the county from 2009.
The Northumberland Branch of the Fire Brigades’ Union has endorsed Labour’s candidates for the May 1 poll – despite the FBU nationally having disaffiliated from Labour in 2004.
The move also comes in the wake of FBU anger over the Labour-controlled county council’s decision in 2006 to support a controversial shake-up involving the closure of fire stations in Blyth, Ashington, Cramlington and Morpeth and their replacement with two new stations.
The local FBU has agreed to back Labour in the elections for the 67 seats on the county’s new single unitary council following discussions between the two organisations in recent weeks.
The FBU ended its official 86-year link with Labour amid anger over how the Government treated firefighters during the 2002/3 national pay strike, and because of growing disaffection with the direction of the party. Last year’s annual union conference in Southport voted decisively against re-affiliation with Labour.
Against this background, Labour leaders in Northumberland regard persuading the county branch of the FBU to officially support their election campaign as a significant coup.
Labour says the FBU has given its backing following discussions between the union and the party about the future direction of the new council, including manifesto commitments to improve services, keep council tax low and protect staff jobs across the council.
Yesterday Colin James, Northumberland FBU secretary, said: “We have observed with interest the internal changes in the local Labour movement and have viewed Labour’s proposals should it be in control of the new unitary authority.
“The protection of services and jobs are paramount issues which we are pleased to hear will be a key part of the new council, if they are in control.
“We are happy to endorse the Labour candidates.”
Labour’s election campaign agent, Susan Dungworth, said: “This support of a key union in Northumberland is great news for us. All candidates have signed up to a new council delivering services in a radically different way.”
FBU national spokesman Duncan Milligan said: “Although we remain disaffiliated from Labour, individual regions and branches of the FBU make their own decisions about which candidates they are happy to support.””