Michelle Stanistreet is new NUJ general secretary

I understand Michelle Stanistreet has been elected unopposed to succeed Jeremy Dear as general secretary of the NUJ. She is currently deputy general secretary.

She is the first women to head the union.

Stanistreet, a former Express journalist and a City University journalism graduate, was the clear favourite to succeed Dear who has chosen not to stand for re-election. She takes over as general secretary on July 1.

My understanding is that the only other candidate, Coventry freelance Chris Youett, withdrew from the race and backed Stanistreet.

Update: Stanistreet has said in a statement: “I am immensely proud to be elected to lead our union – and to be the first woman to have the opportunity to do so. I will repay the faith placed in me by working hard to build our union, speak up for members and stand up for journalism”.

NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear, who has served 10 years in the role, said: “The union is in the best possible hands. Michelle has been a fantastic deputy and has always fought resolutely to defend journalists and journalism. She will work tirelessly on behalf of all members and to ensure the NUJ is and remains the voice of journalists in the workplace and throughout the industry”.

Chris Youett told me: "I withdrew because Michelle and I share the same broad vision for the NUJ. Therefore there was little point in running against her on policies we largely agree on. This also allows for a smooth transfer of power - and ADM can always throw the decision out."

Pic: Jon Slattery