According to reports from a number of AMICUS Executive members and some of the left press, a deal is being struck between Derek Simpson and Kevin Curran for Amicus to take over the crisis ridden GMB next year. Simpson has only a few years before he retires and the deal seems to be that Curran would assume the role of General Secretary after he goes. The arrangement has the full support of the TUC who seem to be spending much of the L10 million Blair gave them to “modernise” the unions on campaigning for yes votes in unions about to be taken over by AMICUS -Unifi; GPMU and the merged KFAT/ISTC for example.

This will be received badly by Tony Woodley of the TGWU who may well feel jilted at the alter if Kevin does go behind his back and does a deal with AMICUS. But, after all, Tony can’t offer Kevin the big salary hike and status that Derek can.

And the members? They’ll do what they’re told and be asked to believe this is all in their interests. Again.