Watford man Mick Cash has been elected the new leader of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union following the death of Bob Crow.

The 54-year-old beat off competition from four other candidates to be named the general secretary following Mr Crow’s death in March.

The Watford FC season-ticket holder has been a member of the union for 35 years and was Mr Crow’s deputy for 12 years.

Mr Cash, who has lived in Watford for 32 years with his wife Dawn, believes the RMT is "in fighting shape for the battles that lie ahead."

He said: "I am proud and honoured to have been given the enormous responsibility of taking our fighting and militant union forwards, six months after the bitter loss to the Labour Movement of Bob Crow.

"Let me make this clear. There will be no deviation from the industrial, political and organising strategy mapped out by RMT under Bob’s leadership. 

"Our fight on pay, jobs, working conditions, pensions and safety continues on every front and in every industry where we organise members."

The father-of-two added the RMT ‘stands united and determined’ on the issues affecting its members.

Mr Crow died of a suspected heart attack on March 11. Under his leadership, the RMT membership increased from 20,000 to 80,000.

The RMT represents workers in every sector of the transport industry.