FRAN HEATHCOTE was announced as the new leader of Britain’s biggest Civil Service union today.

Ms Heathcote will lead the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS), succeeding Mark Serwotka, who is retiring after more than 20 years.

The union’s president since 2019, Ms Heathcote will be its first female general secretary after winning a ballot of members.

Mr Serwotka retires next month having been re-elected five times since 2000.

He said: “Many congratulations to Fran. Having worked closely with her over the last four years, I’m confident the union will go from strength to strength under her leadership.” 

Ms Heathcote said: “It’s a huge honour to have been elected as general secretary of this successful campaigning union.”

She paid tribute to Mr Serwotka, adding: “I am now determined to lead the fight as general secretary to keep driving up our members’ pay and dealing with the cost-of-living crisis.” 

John Moloney was re-elected assistant general secretary.