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Dave Ward - DGSP

An ex-messenger boy and delivery postman, Dave Ward has 26 years experience in the postal industry and the CWU, including:

1976 Started in the Post Office, joined union
1981 Tooting branch committee
1982 Tooting branch secretary
1992-5 London South West branch secretary
1995-6 London Regional secretary
1996-2000 London Divisional representative
2000-2001 Postal Executive member
2001-2003 National secretary (Outdoor dept)
June 2003 Deputy general secretary (postal)

Dave certainly knows the ins and outs of life at the sharp end, having joined the Post Office as a telegram boy straight from school, working 43 hours a week for the princely sum of £26.

"I took on responsibility in my branch from the age of 20, and became branch secretary at the age of 23, so I've had a thorough grounding in all the issues affecting members."

Aware that the media may link his election to the success of left-leaning union leaders in recent months, Dave says: "If membership of the so-called 'awkward squad' means placing a firm emphasis on improving pay and conditions for union members, then I'm happy to be associated with that. As far as links with Labour go, I'm not persuaded at this stage by the disaffiliation argument. I just think that the union's strength is in what we decide, not what the Labour Party decides for us."

Born in Lambeth and a lifelong resident of south west London, the new DGS is married with four children between the ages of 7 and 22, and became a grandfather two years ago.

A dedicated Chelsea fan, Dave is also a mean (struggling) blues guitarist, citing Rolling Stones legend Keith Richards and US slide guitar wizard Ry Cooder among his musical heroes.

Email Dave:- dward@cwu.org