A left winger who backs self-determination for Scotland is expected to become the next general secretary of the Unite trade union.
Sharon Graham, who at one stage was under pressure to pull out the race, is believed to have defeated her two male rivals for the job.
In a bitter race, Graham was pitted against moderate Gerard Coyne and fellow left-winger Steve Turner, who was backed by allies of outgoing chief Len McCluskey.
Multiple reports claim she will be named the winner this week when the result is announced.
Leading the super-union also has a major political dimension as Unite is Labour’s biggest donor.
Graham, who leads Unite’s organising department, told the Record during the contest she would put more power in the hands of union members north of the border.
“We need now to devolve the responsibility, accountability, and the decision-making of the political decisions around Scotland into Scotland,” she said.
She said this could mean Unite members deciding whether to fund Scottish Labour under leader Anas Sarwar: “I don’t know what will come out of that debate, but it will [be a] debate that will be had in Scotland.”
She said union members will determine the union’s position on the constitution:
“As far as indyref2 is concerned, I have long believed in self determination. It’s up to the Scottish people to decide what they want to do. Whatever that outcome will be will be their decision, not anybody else’s decision. And that goes for how I intend to run the union.”
In an interview with the Herald, she blasted suggestions of Westminster blocking indyref2.
She said: I think what is ridiculous is that Westminster could even be saying, 'We are going to tell you if you are allowed to.'
"I mean, that is just not acceptable.
"If I was in Scotland and I was listening to that, I would actually be incandescent, frankly.”
"Because how can Westminster tell you, the people of Scotland, what you're allowed and not allowed to do as far as the referendum is concerned?"
In a text message to supporters last night, Turner appeared to concede defeat: "It appears Sharon has got it! Sorry it didn't work out for us.
"Thanks for everything and we will make the formal announcement tomorrow."
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