Council probe union boss faces challenger for role

Published date25 January 2022
Publication titleHuddersfield Daily Examiner
Paul Holmes, a veteran leftwinger, was suspended by the union in November 2019 along with colleagues Nick Ruff and Cath Kinder

Mr Holmes, an employee of Kirklees Council, was also suspended by the authority after allegations that he intimidated mainly female colleagues and ran the office in the manner of a 1970s typing pool refusing to allow them to use mobile phones and e-mail for work purposes.

He and his two colleagues have recently been reinstated by the union but he remains suspended by the council pending the conclusion of a disciplinary case involving allegations of bullying and intimidation.

Mr Holmes is anxious to continue in situ after attending a celebration of his 40 years as branch secretary at the Irish Centre in Huddersfield town centre.

Angie Waller, of Barnsley, is the only challenger for Mr Holmes's position and several other positions are also set to be fought over.

She said: "I have been Unison steward and member for over 30 years and worked for Kirklees Council for 32 years as an electrical maintenance officer. Alongside colleagues, Kath Mchendry, Joanne Pearson, Ian Atkinson and Stewart Jackson, we are a dynamic and fresh team who have helped run the branch together for over two years.

"The staff are brilliant, they...

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