TRADE unionist Roger McKenzie has been appointed general secretary of the anti-imperialist Liberation campaign group, it announced today.

Mr McKenzie, who recently stepped down as assistant general secretary of Unison, was appointed Liberation general secretary by the group’s central council today, succeeding long-term leader Maggie Bowden, a founding member who has led the organisation for over 30 years.

He said he was “honoured” to take up the role.

“Whether it’s backing battles for popular progressive sovereignty in the face of Western imperial interests in the global South, promoting peace and justice in the Middle East, campaigning against Big Pharma for a People’s Vaccine or fighting against racism at home — especially through promotion of an anti-colonial and anti-racist education curriculum — Liberation’s work remains as important as ever.

“Maggie has been an inspiration to me and I aim to bring my experience in the trade union and anti-racist movements to build on her amazing legacy.”

Ms Bowden said she was proud to have led Liberation for three decades, most recently alongside former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, “bringing causes against injustices and neocolonialism to the attention of politicians and governments, the UN and the International Labour Organisation.

“I am delighted to pass the baton to Roger, whom I have known for many years as a deeply committed fighter for racial equality and economic and social justice. 

“Our link with trade unions has always been very important to us and I know one of Roger’s first jobs will be to strengthen and deepen those relationships.”

Mr Corbyn also welcomed the appointment, telling the Morning Star that Mr McKenzie would be “brilliant” in the role as an “anti-racist trade unionist totally committed to fighting colonialism in all its forms.”

He said Liberation and the Project for Peace and Justice he heads would be “working very closely” and paid tribute to the work of the anti-imperialist campaign over decades.

Ms Bowden deserved special thanks for being the “mainstay” of the organisation for so long, he added.

Liberation was founded in 1954 as the Movement for Colonial Freedom.

As part of its campaigning and educational work, Liberation publishes a quarterly journal, holds regular events, and is currently developing a programme of webinars which are expected to start this autumn. 
Find out more, including how to join as an individual member or as an affiliated organisation, including union branches, at liberationorg.co.uk