The video will start in 8 Cancel

What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Unite leadership candidate Gerard Coyne has been suspended from his job at the union a week before the election result is announced.

Coyne, who is regional secretary for the West Midlands, is challenging sitting General Secretary Len McCluskey in the election.

The deadline for postal votes was yesterday, and votes are currently being counted.

The result is expected to be announced on April 28th.

The Union's acting regional secretary reportedly emailed local branches this afternoon, to tell them Coyne had been relieved from his duties.

The email said the suspension was "pending investigation into certain issues which have arisen."

The move was confirmed by Coyne's spokesman.

A spokesperson for Unite said they could not confirm whether Coyne had been suspended, and even if he did, he could not reveal details because "we do not comment on internal staffing matters."

(Image: PA)

Coyne is seen as the 'anti-Corbyn' candidate in the race.

McCluskey, one of Jeremy Corbyn 's most vocal supporters is favourite to win the election, remaining as General Secretary for a third term.