skip to main content

General Secretary Election – Ballot and Candidate Statements

The final stage of the process to elect the next MU General Secretary, the postal ballot, opens on Monday 14 February. Further information about the ballot and the process so far are provided below.

Published: 10 February 2022 | 2:48 PM
Yellow and pink banner with a blue megaphone, reading
As a result of Regional Candidate Nomination Meetings, three candidates were nominated to stand for election in the second stage of the process.

The first stage of the election process, the series of Regional Candidate Nomination Meetings, has now been successfully completed. As a result of the meetings, three candidates were nominated to stand for election in the second stage of the process, a postal ballot of all eligible MU members.

The ballot of MU members will open on 14 February 2022 and close on 7 March 2022. Each eligible member will receive a ballot pack in the post and will need to complete and return it to the independent scrutineer overseeing the process, UK Engage, before the 7 March 2022 in order for their vote to count.

The outcome of the election will be communicated to members through the MU website, news email and social media as soon as possible following closure of the ballot and will also be included in the Summer 2022 printed edition of The Musician.

Find out more about the election ballot.

Regional Nomination Meeting results

The Regional Nomination Meetings took place between 13 and 27 January, and were attended by over 380 members in total, a 250% increase from the total attendance during the last process back in 2017. We would like to extend a massive thanks to all members who took the time to attend and get actively involved in the process.

The three candidates successfully nominated to stand for election in the second stage of the process are:

  • Midlands Regional Organiser, Stephen Brown

Nominated by the Midlands Region

  • Deputy General Secretary, Naomi Pohl

    Nominated by the East & South-East England, London and Wales & South-West England Regions

    • Orchestras Official, Morris Stemp

Nominated by the North of England and Scotland & Northern Ireland Regions

Find out more about the Regional Nominations.

Candidate election statements

Each of the nominated candidates has provided a 250-word election statement, which will be included in every ballot pack, along with a photograph. Get familiar with the candidates’ election statements and photographs.

Sadly, there have been a number of incidents reported of candidates facing abuse on social media during this process. We would ask, as always, that you treat candidates, MU staff and each other with respect at all times, whether it be in-person, or online.

The disciplinary procedures contained within the Rules, by which all members are bound, state that disciplinary action may be taken against any member who acts in a manner prejudicial or detrimental to the MU or commits any act of discrimination or harassment on grounds of age, colour, disability, marital status, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.

We will not hesitate to take such disciplinary action should we become aware of behaviour which breaches this or any other rule.

Find out more on our General Secretary Election pages.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

A Black male musician wearing a baseball cap singing into a microphone.

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music

Artists, creators and industry professionals working with Black British music are encouraged to take part in the survey to understand the value that the artform brings to the UK music industry.

Published: 04 December 2024

Read more about Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music
Close up of two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 2024

Read more about CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries
Llinos Owen playing Bassoon on stage.

Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”

In our third member blog for Disability History Month 2024, Llinos Owen shares her personal story of music-making and activism, how MU membership has supported her journey, and why she believes attitudes towards access needs are changing, for the better.

Published: 28 November 2024

Read more about Llinos Owen for Disability History Month: “My Experiences as a Disabled Orchestral Musician Have Been Varied to Say the Least!”