Litebulbs
I think (also in this case) a rep should be someone who understands and agrees (or at least is able to live - )with the principal view of the members.
The Rep should facilitate the execution of the opinion of the majority of the members
In this case however, having led rather than facilitated, the union has lost a lot of members which, had they still been members- might have wanted:
1. a different rep
2. a different goal and therefore method
As soon as rep starts deciding himself what the direction should be irrespective of the members, he becomes a dictator and who likes dictators?