John Edmonds (trade unionist) explained

John Edmonds (born 28 January 1944) is a British former trade union official.

Edmonds grew up in South London, and was educated at Christ's Hospital School and Oriel College, Oxford. On graduation, he found work as a research assistant with the National Union of General and Municipal Workers, moving on to become a field officer, then a National Industrial Officer.[1]

In 1986, Edmonds became General Secretary of the union, by then known as the GMB. In this role, he became known as a critic of Tony Blair's leadership of the Labour Party. He stood down as leader in 2003, one year ahead of schedule.[2] In retirement, he has remained active in the Labour Party in south and west London.

References

  1. Stuart Thomson, "John (Walter) Edmonds "
  2. Ben Russell, "Edmonds to step down as GMB leader a year early", The Independent, 29 October 2002