Richard Watson, long-standing MU member, supports me in my campaign

Richard Watson, double bass player and long-standing Musicians' Union activist has been a great support to me throughout my 12 years working for the Union. Richard had been BBC Concert Orchestra Steward and when I first met him he was Chair of the Musicians' Union's busy London Regional Committee. The Committee oversaw the work I did as London Regional Organiser in the West End, with English National Opera, the Royal Opera House and English National Ballet, the BBC orchestras, as well as the National Theatre (when we represented the WarHorse band in their legal case) and all the individual cases I pursued in my time in that role.

Richard nominated me for General Secretary in the London Region, where I went on to receive a significant majority of votes at the Nomination Meeting earlier this month.

Richard cares deeply about the Union and has always been on the end of the phone when I needed guidance. Here are his kind words in support of my campaign:

"I was Chair of the London Regional Committee when Naomi was appointed as a London Regional Official in 2009 and also when she became London Regional Organiser a few years later. I did wonder if her not being a musician would have any adverse impact on how she did the job. I am glad to say that it did not and she brought a freshness to the roles. The feedback from musicians she dealt with was very positive. I believe based on my experience of working with her closely in London is that she is the best candidate as our next General Secretary and will do an excellent job."

Thanks Richard!