Unite Scotland Head Suspended Over Historic Misconduct Claims Amid Internal Infighting

Derek Thomson, the Scottish secretary of Unite since 2023 and a prominent trade union leader in Scotland, has been suspended pending an investigation into historic allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a woman. The union has stressed the seriousness of the claims and emphasized that Thomson is innocent until proven otherwise. Thomson is regarded as a close ally of Sharon Graham, the current Unite general secretary, and has been active in advocating for workers' rights, notably in efforts to protect jobs at the Grangemouth refinery. The suspension comes amid ongoing internal divisions within Unite between supporters of Graham and those loyal to her predecessor Len McCluskey. This feud has included investigations into alleged corruption and has manifested in accusations of bullying and harassment, though sources clarify the allegations against Thomson may be unrelated to this infighting. The union has committed to a full and fair investigation according to proper procedures.