Workers' Liberty

Fire Brigades Union press release
6 May 2005

Matt Wrack has been elected General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union. He defeated Andy Gilchrist in a secret postal ballot conducted by Electoral Reform Balloting services in which over 40% of members voted.

The result:
Votes cast: 20,663
Spoilt 571
Matt Wrack 12,883 (63.9%)
Andy Gilchrist 7,259 (36.1%)
Matt Wrack said: “I am enormously proud to be elected and thank everyone who participated in the ballot. I congratulate Andy Gilchrist on a hard fought campaign.

“We now need to unite and face the challenges ahead. The FBU is the only union in the fire service with the unity and strength of purpose to face up to those challenges.

“As general secretary I will represent all members of the FBU, our professionalism and the pride with which we serve our communities. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting down to that work.”

Outgoing General Secretary Andy Gilchrist said: “I congratulate Matt on his election and I wish him the best for the future. At the end of a hard fought campaign the members have spoken and the outcome must be accepted.

“I have been very proud to serve the FBU for many years as a national official and as General Secretary. I would urge all members to unite to face the challenges ahead.”