Christine Blower has been re-elected as general secretary of the NUT.

The head of the classroom union saw off a challenge to her leadership by Martin Powell Davies, who was defeated by nearly three votes to one.

Ms Blower (pictured) said it was an “honour” to be re-elected as general secretary, adding that it came at a time when the coalition’s policies were having a “destructive impact” on the teaching profession.

“I am all too well aware of the issues that face teachers on a day-to-day basis from excessive workload, the stress and pressures that Ofsted brings to bear on the job and the totally unnecessary changes to teachers’ pay and pensions,” she said in a statement.

“I am determined that we will challenge these issues and continue our Stand Up for Education campaign. There is no question of the commitment and the determination I will bring to this campaign to engage with parents and the general public to put pressure on MPs and to take industrial action where it is needed”

Ms Blower secured 28,428 votes to Mr Powell Davies’ 10,470, and will lead her union into another national strike next month in protest against the government’s reforms.