South West Committee and delegates from about 30 branches across the South West met yesterday to decide their regional nomination for the General Secretary election.
Despite a decision having been taken by Regional Council to hold a Special Regional Council to decide the regional nomination, the meeting held today in Taunton was sadly two delegates short of quorum. But in recognition of the commitment of the branches who did attend, and the Regional Council's wish from its meeting in January that a meeting at which all branches were entitled to be represented should make the decision, a quorate South West Committee committed to submit their nomination in favour of the majority decision of the branches who did attend today before the debate took place.
Delegates considered motions from three branches in favour of Roger Banister, Dave Prentis and Paul Holmes. Despite acknowledgment of the hard work of the other candidates in their own roles, the overwhelming majority vote went in favour of the continuing strong leadership of Dave Prentis for the role of General Secretary.
Delegates speaking in favour of Dave Prentis came from across the service groups, Health, Local Government and Police. New delegates, speaking for the first time representing the views of grass roots members in the South West Region, lined up with experienced activists to speak on the reasons they and their branches are backing Dave.
The high regard with which Dave Prentis is recognised as a strong and influential leader was held up as vital to meeting the challenges we are going through now and the threats of what is to come.
Speakers for the other two candidates pointed to perceived failures in seeking support for their motions. In contrast speakers for Dave Prentis pointed to the successes; challenging low pay, making a strong stand on pensions and fighting for equality. Dave Prentis has supported and given his full backing to the South West's campaigns over the last 9 years such as maintaining Sterile Services in the Region's hospitals, Save our Homecare and the Sodexo strike in North Devon earlier this year.
Now the South West Region has committed it's support by pledging its nomination for Dave Prentis in the election for General Secretary.
Why we're backing Dave Prentis . Dave Prentis election website
