Derek Simpson (trade unionist)

Derek Simpson (born 1944-12-23) is the General Secretary of the Amicus trade union. He was the surprise winner of the June 2002 election for the position of Joint General Secretary of the AEEU Section of Amicus. He beat Tony Blair's 'favourite trade unionist' - Sir Ken Jackson. He assumed the position of General Secretary in May 2004 following the departure of the MSF Section's JGS, Roger Lyons.

Related Topics:
1944-12-23 - General Secretary - Amicus - June 2002 - AEEU - Tony Blair - May 2004 - MSF - Roger Lyons

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In the above election, Derek was seen as the left candidate, and was backed by the broad left in the AEEU, now known as Amicus Unity Gazette. During this election campaign he appeared at fringe meetings of the Amicus MSF section conference in Blackpool, defying an instruction from Jackson not to attend. He is still identified with the Unity Gazette and has appeared at many of their national meetings.

Related Topics:
Left - Broad left - AEEU - Amicus Unity Gazette - MSF - Blackpool

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Derek was seen as a member of the Awkward Squad when elected, but is now identified with the "Reclaim Labour" group of trade union leaders, rather than those who want to break with the Labour Party. At one time a member of the Communist Party of Britain, he joined the Labour Party in 1994. He was involved in the negotiation that let to the Warwick Agreement, in which the Labour Party agreed to implement some of the trade unions' policies during their third term. He favours the early departure of Tony Blair as Labour Party Leader and Prime Minister.

Related Topics:
Awkward Squad - Labour Party - Communist Party of Britain - 1994 - Tony Blair

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As the leader of one of the so-called "big four" unions, Derek Simpson enjoys significant influence within the Trades Union Congress and the Labour Party, particularly as Amicus is predicted to merge with the TGWU, another of the big four.

Related Topics:
Trades Union Congress - TGWU

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