Mick Lynch, head of the country’s largest railway union, has announced his retirement.
He became general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers in 2021, and under his leadership the union staged a series of strikes over pay in 2022 and 2023, culminating in a deal with the new Labour government this summer.
Feted by supporters for his straight-talking style, he was attacked by critics for his £84,000 salary and for the disruption caused by the union’s industrial action.
In a statement, Mr Lynch did not give a reason for standing down but said it had “been a privilege to serve this union for over 30 years in all capacities”, adding it was now “time for change”.
