Ucatt is considering an appeal against the decision by the Trade Union Certification Officer which has plunged the union into chaos.

A meeting of the Executive Council has been called for early next week to appoint a temporary leader while the election is re-run.

John Thompson the Union’s President said: “Following the decision of the Certification Officer, the union is taking into account its implications and is considering an appeal against the decision.

“The Union are disappointed with the Certification Officer’s decision.”

The union watchdog blasted the 2009 elections after it discovered only 56,867 ballot papers were sent to the union’s claimed membership of 130,000.

The election discrepancies were bought to the watchdog’s attention by defeated leadership candidate Mick Dooley.

He confirmed to the Enquirer that he is planning to stand again in the re-run election.

Dooley said: “I’ll be standing again and let’s hope there are no problems this time.”