Union officials are accusing Unite leader Derek Simpson of using the foreign labour disputes to win votes for his re-election

Simpson, who is battling against three others in the election, which finishes today, faced heckles and catcalls during a demonstration at Staythorpe power station in Nottingham last Tuesday.

“He’s using construction workers to give himself a better profile,” said one member. “He didn’t come down to speak at any of the sites before. It’s just election tactics. It will be interesting to see how involved he gets in these disputes after the election. I don’t think he’ll have many construction workers supporting him.”

The allegations came amid claims in the press this week that Simpson had spent union money to stay at the £399 a night Waldorf Hilton hotel, which is 35 minutes from his home.

Jerry Hicks, who is running against Simpson in the election, said workers were “disgruntled and disillusioned” with the union’s leader, and said he was “unsurprised” by the hotel claims.

A Unite spokesperson admitted Simpson had received a “few heckles” last week, but said he had simply raised his voice and finished his speech as planned.

The result of the election should be known on Monday.