by Chris McLaughlin

THE leaders of Britain’s biggest union have thrown their weight behind late-runner Ray Collins to become Labour’s new general secretary.

Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson of Unite are backing the union’s assistant general secretary, who has also won the support of Number 10.

Mike Griffiths of the Amicus section of the union has been asked to withdraw his name but, as Tribune went to press, was refusing to do so.

Mr Griffiths was runner-up to City financier David Pitt-Watson who pulled out two months after being appointed, without taking up the post.

A heated row is takingplace over the procedurefor the appointment, with some National Executive Commmitee members arguing that it is not in order to re-open the contest to allow just one candidate onto the list.

They argue that the post should be filled from the list of candidates considered qualified to be interviewed.

During talks last week, party chair Dianne Hayter demanded an NEC member withdraw a charge of “skulduggery”, but her request was declined.