Very shortly, the FBU is required by law to commence the election for General Secretary.

I want to let you know early that I will be standing for re-election.

I will be standing for General Secretary based on my record through some of the toughest times our union has ever faced, including ruthless attacks on our pay, our pensions, our jobs and our service.

More importantly, I will be setting out the challenges we face in the next few years and how we can build on the strength and unity of our union to deliver for members.

We have faced unprecedented attacks on our pay, on pensions and jobs. We have seen attacks on safety standards, including crewing levels. Chief officers, government and employers have failed to address the long term health threat from fire contaminants and other hazards. But we have stood together, fought back and resisted them. We now need to be ready for the new challenges brought by a new government at Westminster.

I'll be standing to continue the fight for:

• Stand together: let’s rebuild our service
• Demand better pay, jobs and pensions
• For safe communities and safe firefighters