THE selection of a general secretary for the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) may have to be relaunched after the trade union certification officer said that the election was “not conducted in accordance” with laws.

FBU informed the officer two weeks after the election of Steve Wright on January 14 that 3,059 of the 33,044 members eligible to participate in the ballot were not sent ballot papers.

The union said this was an “accidental omission” following a “misunderstanding” between the union and the independent scrutineer.

“I find that the ballot was invalid and should be rerun,” the officer said but noted that it was not considered a necessity.

“The breach conceded by the union was serious in nature and it is important that steps are taken to ensure that it is not repeated.

“I am, however, satisfied that the union recognises this and has proposed steps to mitigate the breach and prevent it reoccurring.”

The FBU confirmed to the officer that it intends to raise the issue at its next conference.