18/03/2008

The member of staff at the National Union of Journalists whose responsibility is to look after freelance issues is understood to be among the likely contenders for the union’s deputy general secretary post.

Scot, John Toner - a former chief sub-editor at the Paisley Daily Express - will be considered among the front-runners for the post, which is becoming vacant due to the retirement of current incumbent, John Fray. Toner has also been the union’s president, treasurer and staff member responsible for the north of England.

Also expected to be in the running is fellow Scot and fellow member of staff, Paul McLaughlin, who is ‘broadcasting organiser’.

Current president, Michelle Stanistreet, a ‘mother of chapel’ at Express Newspapers, is also expected to stand for the position, which will be decided by a ballot of members.

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