Fire union investigates activists' conduct

The Fire Brigades Union is setting up an internal investigation into allegations of "serious misconduct" by a group of activists, it was revealed today.

The Fire Brigades Union is setting up an internal investigation into allegations of "serious misconduct" by a group of activists, it was revealed today.

Disciplinary action could be taken against a number of firefighters who have been accused of trying to set up a "union within a union".

The hard left group has launched its own web site, elected officers and set up a bank account.

Members of the group are unhappy with the outcome of the bitter firefighters' strike over pay and are critical of the FBU's leadership including that of general secretary Andy Gilchrist.

The union has now set up a special committee to investigate allegations of "potentially serious misconduct".

It is believed that a number of complaints have been made about attempts to run an unauthorised internal structure.

The investigation will be led by assistant general secretary Mike Fordham and two members of the union's executive.

The FBU made no official comment today but sources said the issue was similar to the attack against the Militant Tendency by former Labour leader Neil Kinnock.