RSS FeedsNews
(26 August 2004)
THREE ABTA board members have thrown their hats into the ring to replace John Harding as interim president.
ABTA aviation chief Sandy MacPherson, treasurer Martin Wellings and former president Steven Freudmann are all bidding for the interim role until the normal presidential election next spring.
Board members were asked to notify ABTA of any other candidates as Travel Weekly went to press. Because many members are on holiday, a postal ballot is being organised with all votes in by September 13. The final result is due to be announced well before the September 22 board meeting.
MacPherson, who was beaten by Harding in last year’s race for the presidency, said he would like the role after cutting back on other ABTA commitments following a health scare.
"ABTA needs to act quickly to steady the ship. An appointment should be made soon," he said.
MacPherson added that he wouldn’t want the role permanently as he is due to take up the presidency of the Scottish Passenger Agents Association by late 2005.
Freudmann – whose presidency from 1997 to 2000 was dogged by revelations of £1,000-a-week expenses claims – said ABTA now needed strong leadership as it adapted to a changing marketplace.
He added that he would also bid for a change in the rules which currently ban any interim president from running for re-election next spring.
"It’s far from satisfactory that ABTA could end up with three presidents in the space of nine months. That won’t do ABTA’s credibility any good."
Wellings refused to state his strategy ahead of discussing his motives with fellow board members.
St Andrews Travel managing director Andrew Dickson said he had been asked to stand, but would prefer to wait and bid for presidency.
Only ABTA board members can stand for the interim role.
Whoever takes on the interim mantle will have to head up the association’s conference in Orlando in November.
The normal election process for the ABTA presidency starts after the ABTA annual general meeting, when interested candidates have seven days to lodge their application. They are then nominated and seconded and the final vote is a ballot of board members.
