Alan Ritchie barred from Ucatt election

Former Ucatt general secretary Alan Ritchie has been barred from re-running for leadership of the union.

Ucatt confirmed in a statement that both Ritchie and high-profile campaigner Mick Dooley have been removed from next Friday’s ballot.

The news comes after Building revealed last month that Alan Ritchie was suspended by the union in September from his current role working out of the union’s Glasgow office, amid an investigation concerning expenses.

The union did not explain the reasons for Ritchie being barred from the ballot.

The Ucatt statement said: “The Selection Committee has decided that Michael Dooley and Alan Ritchie do not fulfil the criteria as suitable candidates for the position of General Secretary. The decision was taken on the basis of the interview on 26^thOctober.

“Michael Dooley and Alan Ritchie have been informed of the Selection Committee’s decision and their names have been removed from the ballot paper. The Selection Committee’s decision has been ratified by the Executive Council.”

Dooley is set to challenge the union’s decision and will seek a High Court injunction to prevent the ballot going ahead without his name on it.

If the bans stand, the leadership election will be between Yorkshire regional secretary Steve Murphy and London regional secretary Jerry Swain.

Ballot papers will be distributed to the union’s members on 11^thNovember 2011.