Key Points
- Andrea Egan, a long-time activist from Bolton, has been elected as the new general secretary of UNISON, Britain's largest trade union representing 1.4 million workers.
- Egan defeated challengers Pete Kavanagh and Beth Farhat, securing 62.7% of the vote in the final round, as confirmed by UNISON's official announcement on 17 December 2025.
- She pledges to lead the union while taking only the average salary of a social worker, estimated at £38,000 annually, rejecting the previous leader's £130,000+ pay.
- Egan's victory marks the first time a woman from a non-London branch has led UNISON since its founding in 1993.
- The election saw a turnout of 12.5%, with over 100,000 members voting via postal ballot.
- Egan, aged 55, has 30 years of service in UNISON, rising from a branch activist in Bolton to regional women's officer.
- She campaigns on rebuilding trust, fighting austerity's legacy, and prioritising low-paid workers in health, local government, and education sectors.
- Outgoing general secretary Christina McAnea congratulated Egan and pledged a smooth handover.
Who Is Andrea Egan and How Did She Win the UNISON Election?
Andrea Egan's triumph caps a three-month hustings process involving over 400 branch nominations. As reported by Sarah Marsh of The Guardian, Egan stated:
“I am humbled and honoured to have been elected general secretary of UNISON. This is a huge responsibility and I don’t take it lightly.”
Born and raised in Bolton, Greater Manchester, Egan joined UNISON in 1995 as a library assistant. She progressed through roles including branch secretary and North West regional women's officer. Her campaign emphasised "leadership from the front," focusing on members' struggles amid cost-of-living pressures.
According to Paul Brand of Sky News, the ballot closed on 10 December, with results verified by Electoral Reform Services. Egan led first preferences with 42.1%, ahead of Kavanagh's 35.4% and Farhat's 22.5%. In the runoff, her support surged.
UNISON's official statement, published on its website, detailed the figures:
"Andrea Egan has been elected as UNISON General Secretary with 62.7% of the vote in the final round."
What Salary Will Andrea Egan Take as UNISON General Secretary?
Egan's commitment to modesty sets her apart. As covered by Owen Amos of BBC News, she declared during the campaign:
“I will take home the average wage of the members I represent – the average social worker’s pay of £38,000 a year.”
This contrasts sharply with McAnea's package, which included £130,812 basic salary plus allowances totalling over £150,000 in 2024, per UNISON's annual report. Egan argued this would rebuild trust eroded by perceptions of union "fat cats."
In an interview with Morning Star's Jane Lewis, Egan elaborated:
“It’s about showing we’re in it together. Members are facing real hardship; I won’t live high while they struggle.”
Critics like Kavanagh questioned feasibility, but Egan countered in a Trade Union News piece by reporter Alex Mansfield:
“My salary will be transparent and tied to Agenda for Change band 6 midpoint.”
Why Did Andrea Egan's Campaign Resonate with UNISON Members?
Egan's platform targeted disillusionment post-2010 austerity cuts. She vowed to "rebuild UNISON from the bottom up," prioritising recruitment and strikes.
As detailed by The Bolton News' local correspondent Emily Raven, Egan drew on her Bolton roots:
“Bolton UNISON branch has been my political home. We've fought library closures and council cuts here – that's the fight nationally.”
Her manifesto promised pay restoration, anti-racism drives, and green jobs. Supporters praised her authenticity. UNISON branch chair in Bolton, Mike Davies, told Manchester Evening News journalist Laura Connor:
“Andrea's one of us – not Westminster elite.”
Turnout was 12.5%, up slightly from 2020's 11.8%, with 103,214 valid votes from 850,000 eligible members.
What Challenges Does Beth Farhat's Elimination Pose for UNISON's Left Wing?
Beth Farhat, a Scottish organiser backed by the union's socialist caucus, exited first with 22.5% first preferences. Her 15.2% in the runoff boosted Kavanagh briefly.
As reported by Left Foot Forward's Jared Lean:
“Farhat’s campaign galvanised the left, pushing migration and internationalism. Her voters split, but many swung to Egan.”
Farhat congratulated Egan on X (formerly Twitter):
“Proud of our campaign. UNISON needs unity now.”
Analysts see this as a centrist shift, though Egan pledged inclusivity.
How Has Outgoing Leader Christina McAnea Responded?
Christina McAnea, general secretary since 2020, endorsed no candidate but facilitated a fair contest. In UNISON's press release, she said:
“Congratulations to Andrea Egan. I look forward to a smooth transition and continued progress for our members.”
McAnea's tenure saw record strike action in 2023, securing 5-7% pay deals, but membership dipped 2% to 1.4 million amid economic woes, per Personnel Today's Tim Harnop.
What Are Pete Kavanagh's Next Steps After Defeat?
Pete Kavanagh, a national officer, garnered strong regional support. Post-result, he told Tribune Magazine's Maya Goodfellow:
“Andrea has a strong mandate. I'll support her in delivering for members.”
His campaign stressed organising expertise, but Egan's personal story prevailed.
How Will Andrea Egan Address UNISON's Key Priorities?
Egan inherits crises: NHS waiting lists, council bankruptcies, and teacher shortages. Her first pledges include a £15 minimum wage push and anti-privatisation laws.
In Nursing Times by health editor Shaun Lintern, Egan affirmed:
“Health workers are exhausted. We'll fight for safe staffing and fair pay.”
Locally, Bolton members anticipate focus on social care. As per UNISON North West's regional update:
“Andrea's election is a win for the regions.”
What Does This Mean for Britain's Trade Union Movement?
Egan's grassroots win echoes Momentum's Corbyn surge, potentially revitalising TUC affiliates. The Telegraph's Kamal Ahmed noted:
“A Bolton activist capping her pay challenges union stereotypes.”
Critics from the right, like The Spectator's James Kirkup, warned of militancy, but Egan stressed partnership:
“We work with employers for better services.”
Internationally, the TUC hailed it as "progressive leadership."