Unite’s Len McCluskey, a lead negotiator in the ongoing British Airways dispute, has been elected as general secretary.
He replaces the union’s current joint general secretaries Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson.
In a statement, Unite said McCluskey has played a key role in the long and bitter struggle between British Airways and cabin crew members of the union.
His election win comes at a time of uncertainty, after Unite withdrew plans for a ballot on BA’s latest deal earlier this month.