A UNION leader is refurbishing a
lavish country retreat at huge expense — so he
and high-profile dignitaries can relax in the
lap of luxury.
Former Communist Derek Simpson, general
secretary of Amicus, has ordered four rooms at
Esher Place — the former retreat of Henry VIII —
to be made into one massive new suite.
Insiders say the room at the 13th-century
Surrey mansion — owned by the private sector
union — will be called The General Secretary’s
Suite.
The work, which will cost tens of
thousands of pounds, is being paid for from
Amicus funds. The house is being revamped before
becoming a training centre for shop
stewards.
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Fat of
the land ... Simpson shown as Henry
VIII
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Amicus
has 1.1million members — many earning less than
£20,000 a year.
When Simpson was elected in 2002 he said he
would be a “no-frills” leader. He has publicly
made much of his ordinary lifestyle, but his
salary, pension and benefits package totals
£162,000 a year.
He lives in an £800,000 grace-and-favour
mansion in Hertfordshire, travels first class
and is often chauffeur-driven.
He once infuriated rank-and-file members by
taking a helicopter to visit the Glastonbury pop
festival at union expense.
An Amicus source said: “The rooms at Esher
Place were already large, spacious and very
comfortable.
“But that isn’t enough for Derek, it seems.
Four rooms are to be made into one huge
suite.
“We are told it’ll be called The General
Secretary’s Suite. This is hard-earned union
money being wasted.”
An Amicus spokeswoman said last night: “The
accommodation has been refurbished and there is
a new executive suite. It has been refurbished
for the use of dignitaries and politicians.
“Derek lives in the south-east so he won’t
have much reason to use it..”
She denied it was for Simpson’s exclusive
use.
Esher Place already has 54 “well-appointed
and comfortable bedrooms”, according to the
union website, with en suite bathrooms, digital
TV and other mod cons.
a.porter@the-sun.co.uk
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