Red Len’s bitter rival for Unite job is suspended
THE man tipped to topple hard-Left union boss Len McCluskey has been dramatically suspended from his job.
Gerard Coyne had challenged Mr McCluskey – a key backer of Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn – as general secretary of Unite, Britain’s largest union.
But just days before the result was due to be announced, he was told he had been suspended from his job as a regional official in the West Midlands.
It is understood he has been told the suspension relates to an investigation into whether he had brought the union into disrepute during his campaign to lead Unite, which ended on Wednesday night.
The result is understood to be on a ‘knife edge’, from early sampling of the ballots by both sides.
Mr McCluskey will now face claims that he had a hand in the decision to get rid of his rival, who is on the more moderate wing of the Labour Party.
Mr Coyne’s membership has not been suspended, meaning he could still win the Unite leadership race. But critics will see the move as an attempt to intimidate Mr Coyne or perhaps have the result overturned if he succeeds.
Last night a spokesman for the challenger said: ‘We can confirm that Gerard has been suspended from his position as West Midlands regional secretary of Unite. We will not be commenting further at this stage.’
One suggestion is that Mr Coyne was suspended for making defamatory claims in his campaign leaflets, while another is that he spoke at a meeting in the Commons organised by moderate Labour MP Chuka Umunna.
The result of the Unite race is seen as vital for Labour because Mr McCluskey is Mr Corbyn’s main ally and ensures that the union gives his party £1.5million a year. Many Labour MPs see the election for general secretary as a proxy battle for control of the Labour movement.
The suspension emerged hours after the ballot to be Unite’s general secretary closed on Wednesday.
An email sent by union official Des Quinn to members in the West Midlands confirmed Mr Coyne’s suspension. It said: ‘This is to advise that Gerard Coyne has been suspended from his duties as regional secretary pending an investigation into certain issues which have arisen.
‘The investigation is, of course, being conducted under procedure, and it should not be assumed that any offence has necessarily been committed. You will appreciate that it is not possible to comment further on this matter.’
Although he has been suspended from his role as West Midlands regional secretary, Mr Coyne remains a union member and so could, in theory, take up the role as general secretary if he wins. A Unite spokesman said: ‘We have no comment to make.’
There are three candidates running for the post of general secretary – Mr McCluskey, Mr Coyne and grassroots member Ian Allinson.
The campaign, which has been running for several weeks, has been bitter, with personal and policy attacks from all sides.
Mr Coyne has criticised Mr McCluskey’s strong support for Mr Corbyn, accusing Unite of becoming too political under his leadership. Mr McCluskey has hit back, saying it made sense for Labour’s biggest union affiliate to be close to the party. Mr Coyne was also criticised by Mr McCluskey for being too close to a number of Labour MPs in the West Midlands who opposed Mr Corbyn’s leadership.
It is believed that the ballot papers were being verified yesterday but actual counting will not start until today.
‘An investigation into certain issues’