Rix left his job as Aslef's general secretary in October

Mick Rix spoke after a report found he had not abused his position as general secretary following his election loss to Shaun Brady in July 2003.

The report into alleged financial irregularities made 50 recommendations to improve the union's accountability.

Mr Rix said he would consider his position over the next few days.

'Paranoia'

He told the BBC the allegations against him had affected his employment prospects and standing in the Labour and trade union movement.

"I am pleased that my reputation and integrity has been restored," he said.

The report, by QC Matthias Kelly, said "paranoia" had gripped Aslef when Mr Brady took over from left-winger Mr Rix in October 2003.

Mr Brady, who has been suspended over a brawl at a union barbecue, defended his record, saying members would be able to "read between the lines" of the report.

"I did everything to help this union and protect its finances," he added.

Aslef's general secretary Shaun Brady has defended his record

The report found severance payments to Mr Rix, and to his partner Debbie Dwight, who worked for Aslef, had been properly authorised, legal and justified.

It also found there had been no "scorched earth" policy after Mr Brady took office.

That follows allegations steps were taken by supporters of Mr Rix to disrupt the union's business.

The 193-page report took two-and-a-half months to complete and involved talking to 31 witnesses.

It concluded the union's finances were sound despite a �129,000 deficit last year.

But it said the system for claiming expenses was unsatisfactory.

'Systematic failure'

"It does not require claims to be supplemented by appropriate receipts or other documentary proof," the report said.

"This systematic failure leads to expense claims by members and officers, some of which, on their face, are questionable.

The union's finance department was disorganised and had been inadequately staffed and managed, the report said.

It recommended an experienced finance manager should be appointed.

It also claimed Mr Brady had dealt with union staff "aggressively and insensitively" and engaged in a power struggle to the union's detriment.

A period of stability and reconciliation within the union was now needed, the report said.

The report has been handed to the union's executive.

'Verbally aggressive'

The barbecue brawl, which involved the union's top officials, took place at a party at the union's Hampstead headquarters on 20 May.

A separate internal report said Martin Samways, who has since quit as Aslef president, had become verbally aggressive with staff, particularly with one woman, Julie Atkinson.

Mr Brady had attempted to physically remove his colleague when the woman was hit in the mouth by the president.

The report, by an independent three-member panel, did not conclude whether the blow was deliberate but said Mr Samways' behaviour had been "wholly unacceptable".

The former president accepted the criticism but denied allegations he had struck Ms Atkinson.

In a statement, he said he had made a "terrible error of judgment".

"I made a mistake, and like all human beings, we are all capable of making mistakes. However, I am not excusing my behaviour whatsoever.

"I am big enough to admit my mistakes and to try and rectify that mistake by acknowledging that I should resign my positions in the union forthwith."

But he maintained he had never spoken to female members of staff in the manner described and dismissed claims regarding Ms Atkinson as "absurd".