THE General Secretary of the National Union of Journalists has decided not to seek re-election when his current term ends later this year.
Jeremy Dear – who was elected a decade ago as the youngest-ever NUJ General Secretary, at the age of 34, and then re-elected five years ago – is quoted, saying in an announcement of his decision: “It was the proudest moment of my life being elected General Secretary and I have been honoured to have had the opportunity to serve our union at every level over many years.
“Throughout all my years as a lay activist or a full time official I have never failed to be inspired by the spirit of the NUJ members and their continued commitment to fight for social and economic justice. My deep thanks go to all those – staff, reps and members – who do so much to make the NUJ the fantastic union it is and whose friendship and solidarity I have been fortunate to share over the years.”
The Glasgow-based president of the NUJ, Pete Murray, is also quoted, saying: “Jeremy Dear has been a uniquely inspiring General Secretary of the union, constantly, energetically and faithfully representing journalists at work across the UK and Ireland. The whole union owes him enormous thanks for a decade of commitment and success.
“Jeremy has never lost the zeal and passion which drives the best campaigners for justice and people’s rights. It has been an unforgettable privilege for me to have stood with him on picket lines and in numerous NUJ campaigns as president. Although he will be hugely missed, Jeremy’s great legacy is that he leaves office with the union in fighting good health. We wish him the best for the future.”
