Claims that Len McCluskey breached union rules when he was re-elected leader of the Unite union have been dismissed by the Certification Officer.
Gerard Coyne, who was defeated by Mr McCluskey in the election in April 2017, filed a series of complaints in a bid to force a re-run of the contest.
The Certification Officer held a series of hearings to consider the claims.
The judgment said: “None of the complaints succeed and they are, therefore, all dismissed.”
Unite’s assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail, who was acting general secretary during the election, said: “Today’s decision is the correct one.
“Every charge brought against our union by Gerard Coyne and his campaign has been dismissed and shown to be misconceived, underscoring once again that our election was, as we have always said, conducted freely and fairly.
“This is an emphatic ruling that ought to draw a line under matters once and for all, allowing this union to do what it does best, defend the interests of its members.
“This judgment is, however, also a damning indictment of the Coyne campaign.
“Our union is particularly pleased that it has been vindicated over the Unite Herald, a disgraceful publication produced by the Gerard Coyne campaign, using the good name of this union to misinform and mislead our members.
“This publication defined the Coyne campaign. It was never about doing the best by our union and its members but was politically motivated, filing empty complaints designed to pollute opinion of our union.
“It is a matter of much regret that this diverted considerable union time and resources when our members face the unprecedented challenges of Brexit, automation and the rise of insecure work.
“Those who have attempted to smear this organisation for their own ends should hang their heads in shame.
“Gerard Coyne and his supporters should reflect upon whether the manner in which they have conducted themselves reflects the values of our members and whether they have any place in our movement.”
