NUJ delegates have voted against a proposal to return to holding an annual conference.

Union delegates meeting in Southport voted against the motion after a debate about priorities for union spending at a time of critical attacks on jobs, pay and public services.

A resolution seeking to instruct the union’s national executive council to hold the next conference “in 12 months time and that it be called the Annual Delegate Meeting” was lost by 76 votes to 63.

Those in favour a return to annual conferences had argued they were key to its democratic organisation, providing for accountability of elected councils and officials.

However, opponents said the cost of an annual meeting would hit the NUJ’s ability to do its main job of defending members.