Tributes for Mark Dickinson as outgoing president at close of TUC Congress

Tributes were heaped on Nautilus International general secretary Mark Dickinson as he concluded his term as President of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) while chairing the 157th annual Congress in Brighton this week.

His final act was receiving the symbolic Congress Bell, marking the end of a year of leadership as TUC President.

RMT secretary-general Mick Lynch praised Mr Dickinson’s commitment, recalling their joint campaigning on pay and conditions at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary: 'He’s done a great job, not just here this week but throughout the year as Congress President, on the executive committee, and in the General Council.'

Director employment relations at The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) Claire Sullivan highlighted Mr Dickinson’s 'humour, kindness, lightness of touch and integrity' and thanked him for 'making this week so comfortable and so welcoming for delegates, but particularly new delegates. We're in a big and potentially intimidating hall, but you've managed to feel like make it feel like being in a front room and being amongst friends.

'Finally – and Mark knows this is my favourite thing about him – this week has given me more opportunity than ever before to hear you say the word “seafarers".'

Mr Dickinson thanked delegates for their support and declared Congress closed. 'Thank you for being part of the change.'

He also wished incoming TUC President Steve Gillan, general secretary of the Prison Officers Association, all the best in his new role.