Daniel Kebede will become the new general secretary of the NEU teaching union later this year.

He will replace joint general secretaries Dr Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney when they stand down at the end of August. 

More than 41,000 members voted in the ballot (a 9 per cent turnout), with Mr Kebede winning the vote with 28,636.

• NEU: Reject ‘insulting’ pay offer, NEU urges members
• Background: Government and unions to hold ‘intensive’ pay talks
• DfE talks: NEU attacks ‘new and unusual’ DfE stance on pay talks

Elections for the role opened last month and closed at midday today (Friday 31 March).

The news comes as NEU members prepare to vote on whether to accept or reject a pay offer from the government. The union has recommended they reject the “insulting” deal.

Dr Bousted and Mr Courtney said: “It’s an honour to lead and serve NEU members and we know that Daniel will continue the union’s work to give a voice to the profession and campaign for the world class education system our children deserve.”

Mr Kebede is a qualified primary teacher, who has taught all ages from early years to key stage 4 after completing his teacher training.

He was previously a national executive member of the NEU and national president in 2021.

Dr Bousted and Mr Courtney said they offered “commiserations” to Niamh Sweeney, who was also in the running.

Ms Sweeney will become the first elected deputy general secretary.