POSTAL workers’ leader Dave Ward was elected as Communication Workers Union (CWU) general secretary yesterday, defeating incumbent Billy Hayes in a close-run contest.

Mr Ward, who was elected to his current post of deputy general secretary (postal) in 2003, will take up his new responsibilities on June 1 for a five-year term.

Figures given by Electoral Reform Services, which conducted the poll for the CWU, showed that 20,353 members voted for Mr Ward against the 16,851 for Mr Hayes.

Mr Ward told the Morning Star last night that he was “really excited to be in a position to fight to reassert trade union values in society.

“It’s time for the whole of the movement to come together and to reconnect with the concerns of workers across the UK.

“We have to make our own decisions and fight for them rather than waiting for politicians to things for us.”

He confirmed that he would conduct a fundamental review of CWU structures to devote more resources to organisation and recruitment.

Mr Ward had spoken earlier of his “great privilege” to be elected to the union’s top post.

“I will stand up for workers and aim to raise the profile of the union within our industries, the media and public life,” he said.

“I will continue the fight against austerity and ensure that protection and enhancement of jobs, pay and terms and conditions are at heart of everything CWU does.”

Mr Hayes’s term in office was not due to end until next year, but he chose to bring the election forward.