Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, the UK's second-largest union, is set to face a leadership challenge from Simon Dubbins, who claims the union is not doing enough to counter the rise of Reform UK. Dubbins, a former print worker and Unite's international director since 2008, announced on Tuesday that he has secured the required number of nominations to mount a challenge.
Graham's controversial stance
Graham drew criticism last week 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 supports increased drilling for fossil fuels in the North Sea. A senior trade union source expressed unease that her anti-Miliband, pro-drilling position benefits Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. “Graham’s interventions are boosting Farage and his crypto backers. And her attack on Ed played right into the hands of the Labour right,” the source said.
Dubbins' campaign
Dubbins' team claims backing from over 250 workplaces, including some of Unite's largest branches. Dubbins stated: “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, including among union members, 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 emphasized that workers cannot be “abandoned as the Vauxhall Luton workers were or the miners were before them.” He called 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 well-paid, long-term unionised jobs, citing his involvement in a 2024 campaign at Luton Vauxhall where industrial workers and climate groups united to defend jobs as a template for future efforts. “That is the unity we need to build on to win a genuine workers’ transition that safeguards jobs. I’m very proud to be nominated by union branches of refinery and manufacturing workers as well as those working to tackle climate change,” he said.
Political implications
Graham's attack on Miliband was seen as a tacit endorsement of his rival Wes Streeting, amid ongoing debate over who will become chancellor if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister. Dubbins' team, however, says he would only support politicians with a proven record of backing unions and workers, which they argue rules out Streeting.
Election timeline
Ballots will be sent to over 1 million Unite members on 14 July, with voting ending on 11 August. The result is expected on 14 August.
