Mick Rix: One of the union leaders causing trouble for Tony Blair

One of the highest profile members of the so-called leftwing union "awkward squad" has lost his job heading the train drivers' union Aslef.

Mick Rix, who had been general secretary of the union since 1998, lost to South West Trains driver Shaun Brady, who was reportedly standing on what he described as a moderate ticket.

Mr Rix polled 3,200 votes compared to 4,500 for Mr Brady, who will now take over as general secretary in October.

The outcome stunned officials at Aslef.

Mr Brady, based at Basingstoke in Hampshire, is little known outside his own union.

His success goes against a recent trend of leftwingers winning union leadership battles.

Mr Rix, in a statement on the Aslef website, said: "I have been proud to serve Aslef members as their general secretary for the last five years, and I wish them and the union every success for the future.

"I hope that the same advances can be made in the next five years as have been in the last, and I will be cheering the union on from the sidelines."