National Union of Journalists general secretary Jeremy Dear has been re-elected unopposed.

He will serve a further five-year term at the head of the union and will remain in post until at least January 2012.

His appointment was confirmed by the union’s National Executive Committee after his was the only nomination from among the union’s 40,000 members. It is believed to be the first time in the union’s 100-year history that the general secretary has been re-elected unopposed.

Jeremy said: “I was very proud to be elected the first time in 2001 but to be re-elected unopposed is a tremendous honour and is a testament to the massive progress the union has made in recent years.

“That progress has seen the union grow substantially, rediscover its confidence, clear its debts and show it is prepared to stand up for journalists and journalism.”

NUJ president Chris Morley said: “Congratulations to Jeremy. This is a tribute to all his hard work on behalf of NUJ members and the way he has led the union over the past five years.

“We can now look forward with confidence to our centenary and beyond with stability, unity and a sense of pride in our union.”