THE SOUTHAMPTON-based General Secretary of Britain's 16,000-member train drivers union ASLEF has been suspended after a barbecue at the union's headquarters ended in a brawl.

Shaun Brady, pictured above, 41, from Bitterne, was allegedly involved in the midnight punch-up at the union's Hampstead headquarters with the left-wing president of the union, Martin Samways.

Aslef's assistant General Secretary Michael Blackburn, as well as Mr Samways, have also been suspended by the union's executive following the incident.

The union has been hit by a series of internal disputes since Mr Brady beat left-winger Mick Rix for the top job last year.

Mr Brady has complained that he has lost day to day control of the union after a clash with the executive over the running of Aslef.

The 41-year-old was presented with a jar of coffee last month by the executive after he complained he could not even buy office supplies.

The latest incident happened after Mr Samways, 57, returned to his union flat at Aslef's head office after being out for the evening.

He heard people talking at the barbecue and went outside, when a row broke out involving a number of people, including at least one female member of staff.

Mr Brady left the Aslef building shortly after the decision by the six-member executive, saying he would consider taking legal action.

"I have been the democratically-elected general secretary for eight months. It has been eight months of absolute hell. This is not a battle between left and right - it is a battle between right and wrong.

"I was elected by the biggest majority ever and I have been suspended against the wishes of my membership."