Rail strikes could continue indefinitely as Grant Shapps 'blocks deal', says union boss Mick Lynch

Union boss Mick Lynch has warned that railway strikes could go on 'indefinitely' as he accused Conservative Transport Secretary Grant Shapps of blocking a pay deal. political interference," as the latest strike has caused widespread disruption for passengers.

Lynch claimed that Shapps "doesn't understand the job he has ahead of him," telling Times Radio, "He blocks a deal. So he has to step aside or change his position."

He also accused the Transport Secretary of trying to "flex his right-wing muscles" to get a job under the Tory leadership candidates Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss. "Grant Shapps is getting more and more hysterical."

Shapps needs to "appease two really right-wing candidates [Tory]," Lynch told the BBC Breakfast, before adding: "I am afraid that the politics of the Conservative leadership election will prevent the resolution of this dispute.

The union leader also said his union was working with Network Rail and the rail operating companies on a pay deal, but "the gap between us is still there".

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In a letter to Shapps, Lynch said the government...