Len McCluskey accused of breaking union rules during Unite re-election campaign
2 min read
Len McCluskey has been accused of breaking strict rules in his campaign to be re-elected the general secretary of Unite.
A special one-day hearing in front of a retired judge heard claims that he continued to act as boss of the powerful union despite resigning from the post in order to trigger an election.
Mr McCluskey - a key ally of Jeremy Corbyn - stood down as general secretary in December 2016, but immediately announced he would be standing for a third term in office.
He went on to beat his rival, Gerard Coyne, by 59,067 votes to 53,544 following a bitter contest.
Mr Coyne complained to trade union watchdog the Certification Officer about the conduct of the election, resulting in today's hearing before Jeffrey Burke QC.
If he finds in Mr Coyne's favour, Mr McCluskey's re-election will be declared null and void and a re-run will have to be held.
Mr Coyne’s legal team argued that by using his position as general secretary, Mr McCluskey gained an unfair advantage.
In a statement after the hearing, Mr Coyne - who was sacked as Unite's regional officer for the West Midlands after losing to Mr McCluskey - said: "I decided to take legal action on behalf of Unite members who deserve a free and fair election. They didn’t get one last year...
"This is not about me. It is about ensuring the voices of Unite members are heard."
A Unite spokesman said: “The statement issued on behalf of Mr Coyne following today’s Certification Officer hearing is extraordinary and unheard of in tribunals.
“Mr Coyne's claims as to evidence heard appears to be a deliberate act that misrepresents judicial proceedings. The claims as to evidence the Certification Officer heard today are entirely false; the claimed evidence was not submitted today in written statements, oral evidence nor Counsel submissions.
“This is a very serious matter for anyone concerned to see that justice is done.
“We are consulting lawyers about what action can be taken in regard to these incredible claims and such blatant misrepresentations.”
Mr Burke is expected to deliver his ruling after Easter. If he finds in favour of Mr McCluskey and Unite, the remaining nine allegations which have been made by Mr Coyne will be considered at a separate week-long hearing in June.
The outcome of the inquiry could have major ramifications for the Labour party, given Mr McCluskey's closeness to the leadership.
If he were to be ousted and replaced with Mr Coyne, who is on Labour's moderate wing, it could tip the balance of the party's national executive council away from Mr Corbyn and his supporters.
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