Key facts
- Unite general secretary Sharon Graham will face a leadership challenge from Simon Dubbins.
- Dubbins claims the union has not done enough to counter the rise of Reform UK.
- Graham has been criticized for her stance on the net zero agenda and support for North Sea oil drilling.
- Dubbins argues Graham's interventions inadvertently boost Reform UK and Nigel Farage.
- Ballots for the election will be sent to over one million Unite members in July, with results expected in August.
Sharon Graham, the leader of the UK’s second-largest union, Unite, is facing a leadership challenge from Simon Dubbins. Dubbins, an international director with the union, claims Graham's leadership is not adequately challenging the rise of the political party Reform UK.
Dubbins announced on Tuesday that he has secured the necessary nominations to trigger a ballot among Unite's more than one million members. The challenge comes amid criticism of Graham's recent remarks, including her attack on Energy Secretary Ed Miliband's net zero agenda, which she described as a "noose around the neck" of job creation. Graham has expressed support for increased fossil fuel drilling in the North Sea.
A senior trade union source suggested that Graham's stance on climate policy and her criticism of Miliband inadvertently benefit Reform UK and its leader, Nigel Farage. Dubbins' campaign team stated they have backing from over 250 workplaces. Dubbins himself commented that members are "tired of old divisions and frustrated with a leadership more obsessed with playing political games than stopping job losses." He believes Unite has a "unique responsibility to heal divisions, win workers back from the false promises of Farage, and ultimately stop a Reform government."
Regarding the transition to a low-carbon economy, Dubbins emphasized the need to secure jobs and livelihoods, drawing a parallel to past industrial job losses. He also highlighted the potential of the green economy for well-paid, unionized jobs, citing a campaign at Luton Vauxhall as a model for future efforts. The debate over potential chancellors if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister was also mentioned, with Dubbins' team indicating a preference for politicians with a strong record of supporting unions, potentially ruling out Wes Streeting.
Ballots will be sent to Unite members on July 14, with voting concluding on August 11. The result is expected on August 14.