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Union Backs Edwina to Unite Wales
Wales’ largest union Unite today endorsed Edwina Hart to be the next leader of Welsh Labour and First Minister by a landslide majority.
The hotly contested leadership race between Huw Lewis, Carwyn Jones and Edwina Hart has been buzzing with news that the three candidates were to face a rigorous interview with representatives of Unite the Union members from all parts of Wales today.
Following the ringing endorsement of her leadership qualities by the Unite Union Edwina Hart said:
“It was a tough, frank, but fair interview with members, and I am pleased that they listened to my vision for Labour and Wales and felt that I was the best candidate to deliver for union members, the Labour Party and the people of Wales.”
Ms Hart added:
“I’ve worked very closely with Unite for many years both as a minister and as a trade unionist and I am very grateful for this vote of confidence. I promised Unite that I will be the strong voice for Wales, and I will deliver on that promise.”
As a second-generation trade unionist Edwina is a lifelong member of the union movement and first came to prominence as the first female president of the banking union BIFU (now part of Unite), and went on to chair the Wales TUC during the years of Conservatives Government. The backing of Unite and its members edges Ms Hart’s campaign into the forefront of the leadership race.
18 October 2009
