Mick Lynch, head of the country’s largest railway union, has announced his retirement.
The 63-year-old became general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers in 2021, and under his leadership the union staged a series of strikes over pay in 2022 and 2023, culminating in a deal with the new Labour government this summer.
Feted by supporters for his straight-talking style, he was attacked by critics for his £84,000 salary and for the disruption caused by the union’s industrial action.
Mr Lynch did not give a reason for standing down but said it had “been a privilege to serve this union for over 30 years in all capacities”, adding it was now “time for change”.
