Mccluskey’s leadership rival sacked from Unite

Gerard Coyne, who stood against Len Mccluskey to be leader of Unite, has been sacked by the union.

Mr Coyne, Unite’s West Midlands regional secretary, was suspended just before the result of the election was announced in April. He lost the election, but is challenging the result.

Mr Coyne said he was notified by email that he has been sacked from his position following a disciplinary hearing. “I am deeply disappointed, but not surprised at my dismissal,” he said, suggesting the decision was in part because of “the way I criticised Len Mccluskey during the campaign”.

He said he would be appealing against the ruling.