THE first female head of the UK's biggest trade union has declared "we made history".
Christina McAnea, from Drumchapel in Glasgow, has been elected as the first woman general secretary of Unison, the largest workers' body in the UK.
McAnea, who counts firebrand Clydeside leader Jimmy Reid as an inspiration, left school at 15 and later became a housing officer in the city of her birth.
She defeated four men for the role and now leads an organisation with 1.3 million members, around 80% of whom are women. Members work in public services, including health and social care.
With 47.7% of the vote, McAnea will succeed outgoing general secretary Dave Prentis, who has been in position since 2001.
McAnea tweeted: "We made history! Thanks so much for all the support. I may be the first woman GS in Unison but I won't be the last."
We made history ! Thanks so much for all the support . I may be the first woman GS in UNISON but I won’t be the last . @unisontheunion
— Christina McAnea (@cmcanea) January 11, 2021
As Unison's assistant general secretary, McAnea has been responsible in recent years for collective bargaining, negotiations and equalities strategy, including health and safety, pensions and procurement.
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