John, at 39 the union's youngest president for many years, will succeed Tony Donaghey when his three-year term as president ends at the turn of the year.

"John has served twice on the RMT executive and is an experienced and respected trade unionist and I am sure he will make an excellent president," RMT general secretary Bob Crow said today.

In other executive elections, Alex Gordon was elected unopposed to represent South Wales and West, Peter Gale was elected to represent the South West, Dave Gott was elected to represent Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, and Robert Potts was elected to represent the North East.

In addition, Peter Trend was elected to serve as the union's full-time second northern relief organiser.

ends

Note for editors: John Leach is currently a member of the RMT executive, representing members in the London region, and worked for London Underground most recently as a station supervisor.

The final result, after the redistribution of the votes cast for the three eliminated candidates, was: John Leach 6,865 Ray Knight 5,141.