Scandal in the Union: Did Ex-Boss Len McCluskey Mismanage Millions and Fly High on Friends' Dimes?

In a shocking turn of events, Len McCluskey, the former general secretary of the Unite union, is embroiled in a scandal involving private jet flights and misuse of union funds related to the construction of a beleaguered hotel and conference center in Birmingham. An internal report indicates that McCluskey not only enjoyed lavish trips organized by the Flanagan Group—which significantly overcharged the union by at least £30 million—but that he also dismissed crucial advice from staff and legal counsel when sealing the contract with this firm.

McCluskey, aligned closely with the Flanagan Group, is described as having signed contracts without competitive bidding, despite warnings about the company’s poor track record. The hotel project, hailed as an investment for union members when it began, ended up with union spending amounting to £125 million against a current valuation of just £38 million.

Sharon Graham, McCluskey’s successor, expressed disbelief at the financial mismanagement, claiming there was clear evidence of incompetence or worse. She has since initiated inquiries and efforts to recover lost funds. The report, executed by construction lawyer Martin Bowdery KC, reveals that the hotel contract cost escalated due to dubious billing practices, with one claim allegedly totaling £1.3 million for a job expected to cost only £90,000.

While McCluskey denies any wrongdoing and claims he covered all his travel expenses, he is quoted in the report as having received benefits such as private jet trips to see Liverpool FC play in the Champions League finals and multiple match tickets. However, he insists that he was unaware of any concerns at the time of signing the hotel contract.

The investigation continues against a backdrop of accountability, as Graham aims to implement stricter financial oversight and ethical guidelines within the union, vowing to recover mismanaged funds and prevent recurrence of such issues. The affair has also spotlighted the necessity for transparency and integrity within organizations tasked with upholding members’ welfare.