Defining a new operator in CTL Lets consider a new operator $B$ where $a B b$ means "in every execution, if $b$ holds some time, then $a$ does so before it" and we're asked to define it in CTL. 

My working: the system can only fail if $b$ holds. If $b$ doesn't hold, we're in the clear - so one possible path could be $(¬ □ b)$. The only other path that could hold is one where $a$ happens before $b$, so $(a$ $U$ $b)$ is another path. Overall we're left with $∀((a U b) ∨ (¬ □ b))$. For every path either $a$ happens before $b$ OR $b$ never happens. 

Is the way I reasoned about this question correct? Are there any holes in my logic that I should re-consider? Please reply as a comment if possible, and many thanks in advance for any input.
For the answer $\forall \lnot \exists \left( \left( \lnot a \right) \bigcup b \right)$:
I think you have got the right idea. However, this formula is not in CTL since $\lnot \exists \left( \left( \lnot a \right) \bigcup b \right)$ is not a path formula.

By $\forall \lnot \exists \left( \left( \lnot a \right) \bigcup b \right)$, I think you want to say $\forall \Box \left( \lnot \exists \left( \left( \lnot a \right) \bigcup b \right) \right)$, which is the answer. 

(If you are observing the system from the very start (i.e., its initial state), the simpler and weaker one $\lnot \exists \left( \left( \lnot a \right) \bigcup b \right)$ would be also acceptable. Please check it and let me know whether it is right.)

As I have mentioned in the comment, there are past CTLs (PCTL) which incorporate past operators facilitating the expression of "time going backwards". Using PCTL (for example in [1]), your property can be directly rendered by $\forall \Box (b \implies \Diamond^{-1} a)$ (Note its syntax!). You can guess the meaning of $\Diamond^{-1}$ easily.

[1] Specification in CTL+Past for Verification in CTL (2000)