Price of T U C leadership

In this book I register severe criticism of the TUC General Council: indeed, I charge that body with the responsibility for Labour's defeat in the 1959 General Election, as well as the decline in the influence and effectiveness of the trade union movement. But, it may be said, why should I criticize the General Council when for twenty-seven consecutive years-1934 to 1960-I have

sought election to that body?

Will it not be said that I am squeezing sour grapes and venting my spleen for having been rejected, year by year, by millions of block votes, and that these criticisms are but the outpourings of a disappointed man unable to see things objectively?

Acknowledging these possible reactions, allow me to say that the views expressed in this book are neither the result of a sudden revelation nor an outburst of personal anger, but are consistent with what I have said, on behalf of my Union, at Congress after Congress over many years.

It is true that I have established a record, not likely to be sur passed, in the number of times I have been unsuccessful in the annual ballot for the General Council. However, it is also true that I could have become a member of the Council without sub mitting myself to the ballot, as admission by a side door was offered me.

In 1941 the late Lord Dukeston (then Mr Charles Dukes), General Secretary of the National Union of General and Munici pal Workers, invited me to his office to have a chat. When we met we were each accompanied by a colleague [Capt M. Hewit son (NUG & MW) and Mr Arthur Moyle (NUPE)], both of whom are now Members of Parliament.