Mick Lynch has announced he is to retire as general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT).
He said in a statement published on Thursday (January 9) that he felt incredibly proud to have served the union both as a rank-and-file member and elected officer.
Mr Lynch, 63, added: “It has been a privilege to serve this union for over 30 years in all capacities, but now it is time for change.
“This union has been through a lot of struggles in recent years and I believe it has only made it stronger despite all the odds.
“There has never been a more urgent need for a strong union for all transport and energy workers of all grades, but we can only maintain and build a robust organization for these workers if there is renewal and change.”
He said all members can be proud the union stood up against wholesale attacks on the rail industry by the previous government and that “the union defeated them”.
The firebrand leader added: “RMT will always need a new generation of workers to take up the fight for its members and for a fairer society for all and I am immensely proud to have been part of that struggle.”
The RMT said the search for a new General Secretary will conclude in the first week of May, with Mr. Lynch remaining at the helm until his successor is chosen.
Mr Lynch has held a number of posts in the RMT after working in the construction industry for many years before being illegally blacklisted for joining a union.
He became General Secretary in 2021, inflicting a series of crippling strikes on rail travelers in disputes over pay in the past two years.
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: /news
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow our social media accounts here on facebook.com/DailyExpress and @daily_express