Sharon Graham has today been confirmed as the next general secretary of Unite, and will take over from outgoing General Secretary Len McCluskey tomorrow (Thursday, August 26th).
Commenting on her election, Sharon said: “I am honoured to have been elected by our members, and I understand that the trust that they have placed in me brings with it tremendous responsibility.
“As general secretary, I will put all the power of our union into defending their jobs, improving their pay and protecting their rights.
“Bad bosses take note. A strong Unite is the best defence that our members can have – my focus now is to build that strength.”
Congratulating Sharon Graham on her victory, outgoing General Secretary Len McCluskey said:
“It’s a fantastic achievement and I am very proud to be handing over to our first woman general secretary.
“I have been hugely privileged to be at the helm of Unite for the past eleven years. Sharon has been a valued and close friend and an integral part of my senior team throughout my time in office so I know from experience that she is a talented, dedicated and passionate trade unionist. I have every faith that she will run our union in a manner true to its fighting back spirit”.
Chair of Unite the Union’s Irish Executive Committee Jeff Robinson said: “I know that Sharon Graham will work tirelessly to defend working people throughout Ireland, north and south, and build our union’s collective strength. She will have the full support of Unite’s officers, reps and members throughout our Region in that task“.
Unite the Union, Ireland Region 
Great news when I was working there was people benefiting but not members