LEFT-WING figures have congratulated Sharon Graham on her success in the Unite elections, welcoming her as an outstanding organiser and strategist. 

Ms Graham will become the first woman to head the union, succeeding Len McCluskey after pipping both fellow left candidate Steve Turner and rightwinger Gerard Coyne to the post. 

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “Having worked closely with Sharon Graham for many years I’m delighted to see such an outstanding trade union organiser, campaigner and strategist taking on the leadership of Unite at a time when working people urgently need trade unions that fight hard to protect their interests.

“I have no doubt that she will prioritise building trade union strength in our workplaces and communities and this is exactly what we need to be doing right now.

“The STUC looks forward to working closely with Unite and all our affiliates to build a strong movement that can demand a true People’s Recovery going forward.”

The Communist Party also welcomed the result as a rejection of right-wing options, offering solidarity to Mr Turner. 

In a statement, the party said: “Now we need to pull together, not apart.

“We urge all officers — full time and lay — to push on with campaigns for jobs, equality, higher wages and a greening of our economy. 

“This task would build Unite, keep it as the driving force at the heart of  the labour movement, a leading force for left and progressive policies in the Labour Party and give essential support to the millions who need strong unions.”