I am re-standing as a candidate for the NEC after my first year in the role.

I believe that we need to continue to build the union from the offices up, focussing energy and resources on building confidence and strength in our local reps and branches.

During the strikes over the last year we had significant picket lines in my office, Sparkhill JCP in Birmingham, as we have built up a tradition of picketing involving up to half the membership.

I have been convenor of Birmingham Town Committee for a number of years and continue to try to build the organisation and involve new activists and reps. I worked with the town committee activists to organise a number of strike day rallies and marches which involved hundreds of PCS members.

As chair of the Midlands PCS I am keen to create strong regional organisation and support for local and national events. I have spoken for the PCS at strike rallies and at the Midlands TUC / Stand Up To Racism regional conference.

Since becoming a member of the NEC last year I regularly speak in NEC meetings and contribute actively to the Environment, Campaigns and Organising committees.

I believe in the coming year we need to fight to become ballot and strike ready and be planning to take strike action. The strategy of combined targeted and national action has been effective and needs to be continued, particularly focusing on widening the national action as an effective method of involving all our members in the action.

I think we should be proud of the role our union has played in resisting the government’s Rwanda policy. They are desperate for scapegoats and we have played a key role in preventing this and saving the lives of desperate refugees.

I am also proud of the role the PCS has played in calling for a Ceasefire in the assault on Gaza. Our leading figures have spoken at national demonstrations a number of times and the PCS actively supported the Stop the War initiated workplace day of action on February 7^th. I have spoken for the union on Gaza at demonstrations and meetings. My office has held two protests in solidarity with Gaza and Palestine.

I am proud to stand for election as part of the Democracy Alliance slate. I urge you to nominate all the Democracy Alliance candidates for the NEC. I am a member of Left Unity.