GMB leader Tim Roache unexpectedly stepped down as leader of the union on Tuesday, with reasons of ill health cited.

In a statement released on Tuesday night, the union said: “Tim has unfortunately been suffering with ill health for some time now and has made the difficult decision to stand down from his role, that he does not feel able to continue, in leading our union going forward.

“A meeting with the finance and general purposes committee will be convened to discuss the resignation and further updates will follow.”

His resignation comes just months after he was re-elected as general secretary in November 2019.

He secured a second term of office after receiving 61 per cent of valid votes cast by members, defeating challenger Kathleen Walker Shaw, who received 39 per cent.

Speaking at the time, he pledged to “continue to fight” for the GMB’s more than 620,000 members as it aimed to become a “21st-century union.”

While he was leader, Mr Roache was often seen as favouring the more moderate wing of the Labour Party — describing the leadership victory of Sir Keir Starmer as the start of a “new chapter” and backing Lisa Nandy as “a breath of fresh air” during her candidacy for leader.