Will Thorne built our union from out of nothing. He organised those – the unskilled, the marginal, new immigrants, and women workers – who were thought incapable of organising and brought them into the heart of the trade union movement. His was the story of bravery, principle, and unshakeable resolve in his fight to achieve Socialism and, through it, the betterment, prosperity, and welfare of all.
His journey took him from life as a child labourer in Birmingham to the roaring furnaces of the Beckton Gasworks, from the barricades and bitter street fights of the Leeds lock-out to the corridors of parliamentary power in Westminster. An activist, first, last, and always: he created the GMB, forged its values, and won its early industrial victories.
This award recognises that the struggles of today are just as vital as those of our past, and that those qualities which shaped our first generation of activists (of tenacity, vision, and belief) are those which are growing our campaigning union in the present day.
The winner of the 2025 Will Thorne Award was Kelvin Enabulele from GMB North West & Irish Region. Watch the video below to hear about his campaigning and organising work.
You can nominate a GMB member for the 2026 Will Thorne Award using the form below. Please note, GMB officers and staff may not be nominated.
Please fill in the online form by Tuesday 14th April 2026.
Nominations will be considered by the General Secretary and the awards presented to the winners at GMB Congress, held in Blackpool from Sunday 7th to Thursday 11th June 2026.
The overall winner will also be nominated for the TUC Organising Award, which is presented at TUC Congress in September.