Ucatt attacked for appealing leadership election verdict

The defeated candidate in Ucatt’s 2009 leadership election has attacked the union for appealing a watchdog ruling that rendered the election void.

Mick Dooley accused the union of trying to “take the sting out of the verdict and reduce its impact”.

Last month, the leadership election was declared void after the watchdog, Certification Office for Trade Unions, found Ucatt sent ballot papers to only 56,867 members - less than half of its claimed 130,000 membership.

General secretary Alan Ritchie stepped down after the ruling.

A Ucatt spokesperson said the executive council was appealing the watchdog’s decision.

Dooley said: “It’s a stalling tactic. It’s going to cost union members more money to defend the indefensible.”