LAURA DAVISON has been elected as the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) next general secretary at “a critical time for the organised voice of working journalists to be heard.”

Following a ballot of members, Ms Davison will take over from outgoing general secretary Michelle Stanistreet, who announced in July she was stepping down after three terms.

Ms Davison said: “I’m delighted to be elected as the new general secretary of our incredible union.

“I take heart every day from the crucial collective work we do to stand up for journalism, show solidarity and win improvements for our members.

“At a critical time for the organised voice of working journalists to be heard, I want us to grow and strengthen our union, maximising new opportunities created by legislative change and our legal, policy and industrial work.

“Every one of us has the power to encourage and support others to get involved and be part of something bigger than themselves.”

Ms Stanistreet congratulated Ms Davison on her win, saying: “I know that she will provide the leadership that our union requires in the coming years.”