AN official who has represented health and social care workers during the Covid-19 crisis has announced her bid to become the first woman to lead the UK’s biggest trade union.

Christina McAnea said she will stand in the forthcoming election to succeed Dave Prentis as general secretary of Unison.

Glasgow-born McAnea is an assistant general secretary at Unison, responsible for collective bargaining, negotiations and equalities strategy, including health and safety, pensions and procurement.

She has spoken out on behalf of health and social care workers in recent months, highlighting the crisis in care, demanding personal protective equipment and safe working conditions, and providing advice and support to members.

McAnea said: “I’ve spent my working life fighting to get a better deal for union members, fighting bad employers and fighting discrimination and racism in all its forms.

”I put Unison members’ interests at the heart of all the work I do and I will use our collective strength to secure our members’ futures.”