On this page you can find out everything you need to know about the vote to elect UNISON’s general secretary.
General secretary elections FAQs
Information about inviting prospective candidates to speak at meetings
Who is the general secretary?
The general secretary is the most senior role in the union. They represent UNISON when talking to the media, other unions, employers and to Parliament.
According to UNISON’s rulebook and trade union legislation, UNISON has to elect its general secretary every five years.
When is the ballot?
A full timetable and procedures are available to be downloaded here:
The ballot opens on 28 October 2025 and runs until 25 November 2025. The results will be announced on 17 December 2025.
Who are the candidates in this election?
The following candidates have been confirmed in this election. Their names are listed below in alphabetical order.
- Andrea Egan
- Christina McAnea
Voting Process
Members who were not on UNISON’s central membership system on 28 July 2025 will not be eligible to vote in this election. Retired members are entitled to vote.
Ballot papers will be sent to members’ home or other notified address in writing. Members will be provided with a pre–paid envelope for the return of the ballot paper to the independent scrutineer. All voting, by law, must be by post.
Ballot Papers
The despatch of ballot papers to individual members will begin on 28 October 2025.
The ballot pack will consist of:
- A covering letter from UNISON’s Director of the Executive Office
- A booklet containing the candidates’ election addresses and a full list of nominating bodies
- A ballot paper
- A return envelope.
Where members have previously requested materials in a special format e.g. in large print, they will automatically receive the ballot pack in that format. Any additional requests should be made to the ballot helpline.
If you have not received your ballot paper by 11 November 2025, please call UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857 to arrange for a ballot paper to be sent to you, requests for ballot papers must be received by noon on 19 November 2025.
Ballot papers must be returned by 5pm on 25 November 2025.