The leader of one of Britain’s biggest unions is facing pressure that could see him removed from post following Reform UK’s surge in the polls.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s General Secretary, has been accused by critics of not doing enough to counter the growing support for Nigel Farage’s party.
Last week, Ms Graham launched a sharp attack on Ed Miliband, warning Andy Burnham against appointing the Energy Secretary as Chancellor if the Makerfield MP becomes Prime Minister. She argued that Mr Miliband, because of his commitment to Net Zero policies, would be a “noose around the neck” of job creation.
But critics said her criticism of Mr Miliband, along with her backing for North Sea drilling, risks weakening the union’s position as Reform UK gains ground.
One union insider told The Guardian: “Sharon Graham’s interventions are boosting Farage and his crypto backers. And her attack on Ed played right into the hands of the Labour right.”
Now, Unite’s international director Simon Dubbins is preparing to announce a leadership challenge against Ms Graham, possibly as soon as today.
He said the union had a “unique responsibility to heal divisions, win workers back from the false promises of Farage, and ultimately stop a Reform Government.”
“Our campaign for a new start for our union has won overwhelming backing from our organised membership in half the usual time,” he added. “Members are tired of old divisions and frustrated with a leadership more focused on political games than stopping job losses and the attacks we face.”
Ms Graham has repeatedly criticised Sir Keir Starmer and has overseen Unite’s gradual distancing from its long-standing alliance with Labour.
In March, she appeared on GB News to criticise the party for its response to Birmingham bin workers’ long-running dispute over pay cuts and the removal of Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) roles.
Unite, historically one of Labour’s biggest donors, later cut its affiliation fee by 40 per cent—from £1.45 million to £870,000—a move the union said reflected members’ anger.
Ms Graham has questioned whether Labour still represents working-class voters and did not rule out support for Reform UK at the time.
However, when Nigel Farage invited her to speak at Reform UK’s Autumn Conference in September, she declined.
A Reform spokesperson said: “If you represent working people in this country, my door is open.”
Ms Graham rejected the offer, saying Reform had “shown absolutely no evidence that they are friends of workers” and insisting Labour needed to become a stronger voice for working people.
Despite her criticism, Mr Farage has continued to express interest in engaging with unions, saying that while disagreements would exist, there was still room to find common ground.
