The General Secretary Election 2026.
UNITE WM7015 Sandwell Local Authority Branch
has nominated Simon Dubbins
for General Secretary
Over the coming months, branches will be invited to nominate candidates for the position of General Secretary.
The successful candidate will assume office following the conclusion of the election on 14 August 2026 (subject to ratification by the Executive Council) and will serve a five-year term.
The General Secretary is responsible for the administration of the Union, with powers and responsibilities set out in Rule 15.
Election Timetable
Nominations
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Nominations period: Thursday 4 June – Sunday 28 June 2026
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Deadline for receipt of nominations: 12 noon, Tuesday 30 June 2026
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Deadline for candidate acceptance and election address: Tuesday 30 June 2026
Election
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Despatch of voting papers: from Tuesday 14 July 2026
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Deadline for return of voting papers: 12 noon, Tuesday 11 August 2026
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Count and verification: 11 – 14 August 2026
The successful candidate will take office at the conclusion of the count on 14 August 2026, subject to ratification.
Nomination and Election Statements
Members wishing to seek nomination may submit a nomination statement of up to 150 words.
Statements must comply with the election guidelines and must not include images or inappropriate content.
To ensure equal access to branches, nomination statements submitted in advance will be circulated centrally.
Statements should be sent to:
Deadline for receipt: 12 noon, Monday 1 June 2026
Candidates progressing to the ballot will have their election addresses published on this site following the close of nominations.
Eligibility
Only members with five or more continuous years of membership of Unite are eligible to stand for General Secretary.
Election Guidelines
This election is conducted by the Executive Council in accordance with Rule 16.
Guidelines have been issued to ensure the process is open, fair and compliant with both the Union’s rule book and legal requirements.
These set out what candidates and supporters can and cannot do.
You can download the full guidelines here:
www.cesvotes.com/unitegensec26/guidelines
Before the Nomination Period
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Ensure branch contact details are up to date.
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Look out for the official mailing inviting nominations, issued from 2 June 2026.
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A full nominations pack containing detailed instructions will be provided to branches.
Queries
For any questions about the election, please contact: elections@unitetheunion.org
Statements From Members Seeking Nomination In The
Election For The General Secretary 2026
The following statements have been submitted by members seeking nomination in the above election.
Please draw these statements to the attention of your branch/workplace branch when making a nomination.
The membership and branch number of the members seeking nomination and contact details provided are shown.
Should you wish to get in touch with them direct you may.
When making nominations please refer to the letter inviting nominations sent separately and the ballot guidelines also circulated your branch.
Please ensure that you the use the nominee’s branch and membership number information on the nomination form when making a nomination.
Your branch may make one nomination.
Your branch may nominate a member other than those who have submitted a candidate statement who is eligible to stand in this election.
If you have any queries please contact us at elections@unitetheunion.org
695 Branch Nominations
342 Branch Nominations
Sharon Graham
Membership No: 14103184
Branch No: LE/128
Campaign Email: sg4gs@sharongraham.org
Almost five years ago, together we began to change our Union.
We took our Union Back to the Workplace - back to our Reps and members.
We uncovered the truth around the alleged fraud and corruption surrounding the Birmingham hotel and conference centre.
We redefined our relationship with Labour. No more blank cheques.
And together we have delivered hundreds of millions of pounds back into the pockets of members from both successful disputes and deepened collective bargaining.
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Profiteers exposed.
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Cash to politicians cut.
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Winter fuel campaign won.
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Billions secured for steel.
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Government contracts won for British aerospace.
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Action not words on equalities.
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Promises made. Promises kept.
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We have only just begun.
I am asking for the privilege of your nomination. To continue the change we started together.
To continue to win industrially and for our retired and community members.
Members will be my priority. I will fight for you.
Solidarity, Sharon
Simon Dubbins
Membership Number: 33188677
Branch: LE/128
Our union needs a new start.
We must turn the page on internal battles and return to supporting reps and delivering for members.
This election is a battle for the soul of our great union.
It will determine who we are and how we confront the urgent challenges we face.
The role of General Secretary is a responsibility, and not a performance.
It would be an honour to be nominated by your branch.
With your support, we will:
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Protect jobs and raise pay.
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Stop a far-right government.
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Only support politicians who support us.
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Organise for growth and union power.
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Build international solidarity.
We all have an essential role to play, from our workplace leaders and members, to our retired and young members, Unite Community branches and through our vital equalities work.
Be part of our campaign: www.simon4gs.org.uk