John Toner, the National Union of Journalists’ Freelance Organiser, has begun his campaign to become the union’s Deputy General Secretary.

Toner, a former working journalist, has served as a full time official for the NUJ since 1997, when he became the union’s Northern Organiser. He became the National Freelance Organiser in 2001, and acts as the main point of contact for the union’s freelance photographers.

He has also previously served as the union’s President and Honorary General Treasurer as well as being the servicing officer on both the Ethics Council and the Freelance Industrial Council.

The post, the second most senior position in the union, is decided by a postal ballot of the union’s 39,000 members. Voting will begin on the May 26, and end on July 4th.

At least three candidates are expected to stand for the seat, which has become vacant due to the retirement of current incumbent John Fray. Current union president and Daily Express journalist Michelle Stanistreet and current Broadcasting organiser Paul McLaughlin are also expected to contest the seat.

John Toner’s campaign website can be found here.