Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Alexandra Topping

The UK’s new official opposition: how powerful union leaders are taking on the Tories

Clockwise from left: Mick Lynch, Patrick Roach, Sharon Graham, Dave Ward, Jo Sidhu, Pat Cullen, Mark Serwotka and Matt Wrack.
Her majesty’s official opposition? Clockwise from left: Mick Lynch, Patrick Roach, Sharon Graham, Dave Ward, Jo Sidhu, Pat Cullen, Mark Serwotka and Matt Wrack. Composite: Guardian Design/PA/Getty Images/Sopa Images/Rex/Shutterstock/Zuma Press Wire

As Britain heads into an autumn of strikes – and the Labour party comes under pressure to come up with ideas to tackle the cost of living crisis – and support stoppages – we look at the (mostly) union leaders becoming a powerful force of opposition to the Tory government.

From leaders of barristers to bin collectors, here are some of the figures fighting for their members’ rights.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.