Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, the UK's second largest union, is facing a leadership challenge from Simon Dubbins, who has secured the required number of nominations to mount a bid. Dubbins, a former print worker and international director at Unite since 2008, will announce his campaign on Tuesday, citing concerns that the union is not doing enough to counter the rise of Reform UK.
Criticism Over Energy Stance
Graham recently faced criticism from within the union movement for her attack on Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and his net zero agenda, which she described as a "noose around the neck" of job creation. She has advocated for increased fossil fuel drilling in the North Sea. A senior trade union source expressed unease that Graham's stance plays into the hands of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, stating: "[Graham's] interventions are boosting Farage and his crypto backers. And her attack on Ed played right into the hands of the Labour right."
Dubbins' Campaign Platform
Dubbins' team claims backing from over 250 workplaces, including some of Unite's largest branches. Dubbins said: "Our campaign for a new start for our union has won overwhelming backing from our organised membership in half the usual time. Members are tired of old divisions and frustrated with a leadership more obsessed with playing political games than stopping job losses and the attacks we face." He highlighted the growth of Reform UK as a pressing issue, arguing that Unite has a "unique responsibility to heal divisions, win workers back from the false promises of Farage, and ultimately stop a Reform government."
Green Economy and Job Security
On North Sea oil and gas, Dubbins said workers cannot "be abandoned as the Vauxhall Luton workers were or the miners were before them." He emphasised the need for a transition to a low-carbon economy that secures jobs and livelihoods, adding: "We are sceptical of any plan that does not start with that." However, he argued that the fast-growing green economy is key to securing well-paid, long-term unionised jobs, pointing to his involvement in a 2024 campaign at Luton Vauxhall where industrial workers and climate groups united to defend jobs. "That is the unity we need to build on to win a genuine workers' transition that safeguards jobs," he said.
Political Endorsements and Election Timeline
Graham's attack on Miliband was seen as a tacit endorsement of his rival Wes Streeting for chancellor, amid speculation about Andy Burnham becoming prime minister. Dubbins' team stated he would only back politicians with a proven record of supporting unions and workers, which they say rules out Streeting. Ballots will be sent to over 1 million Unite members on 14 July, with voting ending on 11 August and the result expected on 14 August.
