Len McCluskey hits out at 'manufactured' attempt to dump him as Unite boss
2 min read
Len McCluskey has condemned the "manufactured" attempt to have him removed as boss of the Unite union.
In a defiant New Year message, the left-wing veteran said he was "absolutely confident" that a legal challenge to the result of last year's general secretary election will be thrown out.
Mr McCluskey's defeated opponent, Gerard Coyne, has claimed that Unite's rules were broken during the bitter contest.
The Certification Officer trade union watchdog has appointed a retired judge to investigate the case, and has the power to order a re-run.
Speculation has been rife that 67-year-old Mr McCluskey could step down voluntarily, but he gave no indication that he is set to quit in his address to Unite members.
He said: "In 2017, I was proud to be re-elected as your General Secretary, to continue to serve the Unite membership to the best of my ability.
"That result is now being challenged by one of the defeated candidates. But I am absolutely confident that it will be found that your union upheld our rules and democratic principles, as well as the demands of the law. I can assure you that this manufactured row will not throw us off course.
"In 2018 more than ever Unite will, with your support and involvement, do still better in righting wrongs and securing advances for our members. So let me thank you for all your support, and again wish you and your families a happy and successful new year. That is Unite – your union – getting the basics right and always putting members first."
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