TEACHER trade unionist Gawain Little will succeed Doug Nicholls as general secretary of the General Federation of Trade Unions in May, it has been announced.

The General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) established in 1899 has appointed Mr Little (42) general secretary-elect yesterday. He is to lead the organisation from May 2023 when the current general secretary Mr Nicholls will retire.

Mr Little is a lifelong trade unionist from the National Education Union’s national leadership. He has been a workplace rep since he started teaching 20 years ago and has also been a local secretary, national executive member and is currently chair of the NEU international committee.

Mr Nicholls said: “The GFTU offers trade unions so much and is planning for growth and Gawain is just the person to work with the executive to lead it to a new stage of development so that it can celebrate its 125th year in real style and meet the challenges of the next decades. I wish Gawain every success and look forward to working with him in the hand over period ahead.”

Mr Little said: “This is truly a great honour. The GFTU is at the heart of the trade union movement, complementing the work of the TUC by providing practical cost-saving services for unions and creating space for innovative thought and solidarities. 

Its education offer is pioneering and comprehensive and highly valued. The GFTU is more relevant than ever and I greatly look forward to working with its staff team and executive members to help it grow and prosper.”