Transport union boss Bob Crow dies, aged 52

General secretary of the Rail Maritime and Transport union Bob Crow has died.



The 52-year-old is believed to have suffered a heart attack and died early on Tuesday morning.

London Mayor Boris Johnson, with whom he clashed over plans for the Tube, said: "I am shocked. Bob Crow was a fighter and a man of character."

Labour leader Ed Miliband said Mr Crow had been "a major figure in the Labour movement and was loved and deeply respected by his members".

The prime minister's official spokesman said David Cameron offered his sincere condolences to Mr Crow's family and friends.

Mr Crow was elected general secretary of the RMT in 2002 following the death of former leader Jimmy Knapp.

The BBC's political editor Nick Robinson said Mr Crow "was, some argue, the most successful union leader in terms of securing jobs and pay for his members".

He is understood to have been due at a TUC executive away day in Surrey on Monday, but was unable to attend because he was feeling unwell.

Mr Miliband offered his condolences and said Mr Crow was a "passionate defender of and campaigner for safe, affordable public transport" and a "lifelong anti-fascist activist".