Mick Lynch - The Making of a Working-Class Hero

In the summer of 2022, the little-known leader of a small union became a 'working-class hero'. Facing down media pundits who thought they could walk all over him, he offered a robust critique of the government and provided workers with an authentic voice. At a time when the Labour Party was unable to articulate a credible alternative to the Tories, Mick Lynch spoke for the working class.

Where did Lynch come from? How did he develop the skills and traits that make him such an effective spokesperson and leader? This book, the first biography of Lynch, explores his family and social background and his rise to the top of the RMT union, which culminated in election as General Secretary in 2021. Considering his persona and politics, this book asks what quality singles out Lynch as a working-class hero compared to other union leaders and, more broadly, what leadership means for working people and for the left.

If we want better leaders at every level, the case of Mick Lynch holds the key.

About the author

Gregor Gall is Visiting Professor of Industrial Relations at the University of Leeds and author of Bob Crow: Socialist, leader, fighter (2017) and The punk rock politics of Joe Strummer (2022)

Summary

Mick Lynch became a ‘working-class hero’ in the summer of 2022, when he offered a robust critique of the government and gave a voice to working people. This book explores Lynch’s background and his rise to the top of the RMT union, asking what leadership means for the working class and the left. -- .

Product details

• Authors: Gregor Gall
• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 01.01.2024
• EAN: 9781526173096
• ISBN: 978-1-5261-7309-6
• No. of pages: 280
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > Contemporary history (1945 to 1989); Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > General, dictionaries; BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Political, Biography: historical, political & military, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Process / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Labor & Industrial Relations, 21st Century, Political leaders & leadership, Trade Unions, Biography: historical, political and military, Early 21st century c 2000 to c 2050, Political leaders and leadership, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Labor / Unions