OUTGOING Labour MP and RMT parliamentary group chairman Ian Mearns thanked delegates at the union’s AGM in Hull today for their campaigning efforts, after receiving its prestigious gold medal.

Mr Mearns, who represented the Gateshead constituency, has been a stalwart for transport workers, playing a crucial role in advocating for RMT in the Commons. 

In an emotional address, he said: “I never saw myself becoming an MP. In 2010, my constituency went through a democratic process and selected me to represent my home town.