Sticky work situation - Help!

[Weathergames]

Please help this isn't a AIBU as such more a help me!!

Office prick (think David Brent) and the team skiver has done a load of training to be Union Rep for a certain Union (great way to fill his hours ) two members of the Union in another team have objected to this so he is now wanting to be Rep for my Union (he knows I am a member as he tried to recruit me for the first Union and I told him I am in the other one).

I work on my own in the office with him so I guess to a certain extent am quite two faced and give the impression we get on/I like him as it's easier to get on with him.

Other colleague has just given me the heads up that he is going to ask me to nominate him as Rep for my Union.

How the hell do I say no politely without telling him what I really think (he's unprofessional, unreliable, feel embarrassed to be associated with him!). I don't want to be blunt - but I don't want to lie and I don't understand how it all works.

Help!

[wowfudge]

Just tell him you don't want to get involved in the politics.

[ElsaAintAsColdAsMe]

You could stand for union rep yourself, or quickly decide on someone else and nominate them, or at least tell him you're already committed to nominating someone else.

[pluck]

Is he even a member of your union yet? See if you can find any regulations on the "standing" someone has to have in your union before being nominated/ standing for office. It's a sensible brake for any organisation, to limit the influence of carpet-baggers and outside interests!

[nocoolnamesleft]

Is it a conflict of interest to be the rep for two different unions? (It may or may not be, but asking could put the cat among the pigeons)

[Weathergames]

He's been rejected by members of the first Union so is now trying to be rep fr a different (my) Union.

[Clare1971]

You could say "Thanks for asking me but no thanks" with a big smile and hope he drops it or you could fudge it by saying "actually I'm thinking about changing unions so I won't be able to." I'm a great one for fudging it but then I have no backbone

[Duckdeamon]

Commiserations on having to share an office with a david brentalike!

Standard situation that calls for simple assertiveness: "no David, I'm afraid I won't do that for you". No need for a explanation, but if you cave you could just say you make it a policy not to get involved in work politics!

I doubt he would be allowed to join and then become a rep rightaway anyway, especially not if union no 2 hears about him!

[RandomMess]

"No, sorry, that doesn't work for me"

Repear, repeat and don't be drawn in.

Badgering questions

"As I said, it doesn't work for me and I need to get on with my work"

[ImperialBlether]

Is there someone you'd prefer to be your union rep?

[Wolfie2]

Tell him you are changing union.

[Wolfie2]

Or sorry but you've already voted for someone else

[Weathergames]

I think we already have one - I don't know him but he turns up at "important" meetings with union key rings and lanyards.

[TheLowKing]

Tell him you're thinking of standing yourself.
Then don't.

[Weathergames]

Thank you