BALLOT PAPERS for the election of the Musicians Union’s (MU’s) next leader will hit doormats from today.

Assistant general secretary Horace Trubridge, who says he has the backing of most officials, faces a challenge from executive committee member Kathy Dyson. Current general secretary John Smith is retiring after 15 years in post.

Mr Trubridge, who made his name as a member of 1970s doo-wop revival band Darts, under the stage name Horatio Hornblower, said: “I’m standing on my record, and I’ve made my name in the union as a tough negotiator.

“I’ve been part of a very successful regime over the past 13 years. We’ve maintained membership levels and increased the profile of the union.

He told the Star that, if elected, he would not use the position “as a political platform” and would take on issues “on the union front line.”

Ms Dyson, a jazz musician and music lecturer, said: “I’m standing because I believe that the MU needs to change.

“I’m standing for a more feminist, inclusive and collaborative approach to working together, and for a decentralised union that fights more strongly for funding, musical work and instrumental music education.”

The union is affiliated to the Labour Party. Last year the union executive nominated Owen Smith for the leadership.

Mr Trubridge said the political status of the union was “something we have to have a debate about at this year’s national conference.”

He added: “A lot of members feel we shouldn’t [remain affiliated] … and a lot of Labour Party members are not very happy with current direction.

“What we desperately need is a strong opposition and we clearly don’t have one.”

Ms Dyson said: “I remain a Corbyn supporter — he has not only pledged to improve investment in the arts and music but also to pay decent wages and fees to musicians.”

She said the Labour leader was the first “in living memory” to “openly and actively” support unions. “His stance on Brexit is very problematic for us as an internationalist union, but consistent with his own beliefs,” she said.

Bradford-based Ms Dyson, who said she had been involved in the union for 20 years, added that while she supported staying affiliated to Labour, it was ultimately up to members.

Mr Trubridge said he had the nominations of the union executive and all but one of the union’s regions, as well as the backing of most officials.

Outgoing leader Mr Smith said: “I’ve had a great group of people working with me over the last 15 years and I’m sure that the MU will go from strength to strength after I’ve retired this coming summer.”

The ballot will close on March 27.