Usdaw deputy general secretary John Hannett has won the race to succeed Sir Bill Connor as leader of the 330,000-strong shopworkers' union next spring.
Hannett won the Usdaw election with 19,063 votes.
Val Pugh came second and polled 13,729, while Maureen Madden was third with 12,313 votes.
Connor said: 'I wish him (Hannett) every success in leading Usdaw over the next few years. Usdaw is well-placed to go from strength to strength, with an increasing membership and an influential voice in the trade union and labour movement.'
Separately, Usdaw has moved a step closer to forcing big Scottish stores to close on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
MSP for Airdrie and Shotts Karen Whitefield is bringing a Private Member's Bill before the Scottish Parliament that would prohibit shops larger than 3,000 sq ft (280 sq m) opening on those days.
She said: 'My Bill will help ensure that these two days will remain days of rest.'
South of the border, Usdaw is pushing for similar legislation for Christmas Day. MP for Durham North Kevan Jones is number six on a list of 20 MPs who have won the opportunity to introduce a Private Member's Bill.
Although few stores open on Christmas Day, Usdaw is concerned that without legislation, it could become commonplace. The union fears shopworkers would be forced to work on Christmas Day, rather than being able to spend time with their families.
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