SHOPWORKERS must “stand up to the companies we work for” and fight to end zero-hour contracts, newly elected Usdaw president Amy Murphy said yesterday.

Tesco worker Ms Murphy said she would “continue to challenge the union leadership and the bosses” as the shopworkers’ union’s most senior lay official.

Ms Murphy, who has served on the Usdaw executive for six years, is a member of the Socialist Party and the union’s Broad Left faction. She was seen as to the left of her opponent Barbara Wilson.

Usdaw general secretary John Hannett said: “Congratulations to Amy on her election and I look forward to working together to strengthen our union, improve workers’ lives and deliver for our members.”

He paid tribute to outgoing president Jeff Broome and said the union would “pull together to ensure the union continues to be a strong voice for our members.”

Mr Hannett, who is set to retire, will be succeeded by his deputy Paddy Lillis.