Christine Blower is stepping into the hot seat as interim leader of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), following the sudden death of Steve Sinnott last month. Her appointment has sparked intense scrutiny, fuelled by media claims that she's a figure of the 'loony left' and that the planned one-day strike on April 24th is part of an 'extreme left' agenda.
Blower denies being a member of external organisations such as Militant, the Socialist Workers' Party or the International Marxist Group. She clarifies that her association with the 'Campaign for a Democratic and Fighting Union', a group within the NUT, is not a political party and includes members from various backgrounds – including Liberal Democrats.
Addressing claims of being 'militant', Blower insists she's driven by a desire to amplify the voices of classroom teachers, who often feel overlooked by union leadership. She affirms her socialist views but distances herself from external organisations. Her stance on feminism is clear: as a self-described 'absolutely' feminist, she stresses the need for equal pay in education, where 70% of teachers are women yet leadership remains predominantly male.
Blower's past involvement with the London Socialist Alliance, which encompassed various Trotskyist factions, has raised eyebrows. However, some union insiders suggest her links to the far left have loosened in recent years, describing her as 'principled' and 'conscientious'. Her handling of the period following Sinnott's death has earned praise from within the union.
The question on everyone's mind is whether Blower will stand for the permanent General Secretary position. She remains tight-lipped about her intentions but acknowledges she would be a strong contender, given her close working relationship with Sinnott. Many believe her appointment is not just a reaction to the current crisis but also an opportunity for change within the union.