NFDC President succumbs to internal war of attrition.
The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) has announced that embattled President Paul Brown has resigned.
Despite having the vocal support of several of the Federation’s regions and many of its individual members, Brown’s presidency has been beset by a series of attempts to oust him, including several threats of no confidence votes.
As recently as 23 March, it appeared that Brown’s resilience combined with the backing of those members and regions had secured his position; and he was looking forward to hosting his second and final Annual Convention as President in Italy later this year.
But, in what must surely rank as one of the most wretched days in the Federation’s history, he has finally succumbed to a pressure from within that neither he nor the members’ wishes could suppress.
In a statement issued by Brown’s vice president Martin O’Donnell, Brown’s current employment status is cited as the reason for his resignation:
Due to the unfortunate change in employment status of our President Paul Brown, Paul is no longer employed by a NFDC Corporate Member Company and therefore as per the Federation rules and Articles he is no longer eligible to stand as an officer of the NFDC. As a result of this change Paul has tendered his resignation with immediate effect.
However, anyone that has followed the on/off saga that has categorised Paul Brown’s presidency since November last year will see that he has finally succumbed to a ceaseless and concerted bid to undermine and ultimately oust him.
Quite how the various regions will greet this news remains to be seen. Both the Midlands and the Scottish regions had publicly voiced their support for Brown at the EGM on 13 March and again at the AGM just over a week ago. And DemolitionNews understands that this enforced resignation will come as a surprise to regions and members alike.
The Federation statement says that it will be seeking to appoint an interim replacement at a National Council meeting later this month. As vice president, O’Donnell himself would seem to be the obvious choice. But rumours persist that a former president might yet pressed back into action, at least in a temporary “caretaker” role.
Regardless of who ultimately replaces him, the new president will not be blessed with the same industry longevity and legacy that Paul Brown brought to the role; they will inherit a role vacated in the shoddiest possible circumstances; and they will inherit a trade association that was displaying signs of division even before their stated wish for the president to remain in office were disregarded.
You can hear an exclusive podcast on Paul Brown’s departure below:
