The trade union leader Nigel de Gruchy may have exhibited “self-opinionated vanity”, but as a parent campaigner in the 1990s, I found him to be a principled man who was supportive of the Campaign for State Education (Case), which I represented with others.
I once went to see him in the Covent Garden office to ask for money for Case to campaign against the 11-plus. He himself supported selection, I think, but he said it was union policy to oppose it, and we got the money.
Another time, on a train journey he apologised for making a press call but said his members needed to know he was working in return for their membership fees. I also enjoyed his acerbic wit and being invited to enjoy the Sancerre at the NASUWT Christmas drinks.
