Ed Miliband secures union backing
By politics.co.uk staff
Labour leadership hopeful Ed Miliband recieved the backing of one of Britain’s most influential trade unions today in a sure sign he is securing the left-wing of the party.
The GMB union, which is one of the three largest unions affiliated to Labour beside unite and Unison, lent the shadow energy and climate change its support today.
“I am very grateful, and feel deeply honoured to have received the backing of the GMB – they are one of Britain’s most important trade unions,” Mr Miliband said.
“I am very grateful that they have put their trust in me to stand up for their members and to put our shared values at the heart of everything that Labour does in opposition and then back in government.”
Mr Miliband was unapologetic at having secured union backing, despite criticism from outside the party that Labour’s long-lasting relationship with the unions makes it difficult for it to mediate in industrial disputes.
“We will win the next general election, not in spite of our Labour values, but because of them,” he said.
The GMB endorsement is by far the largest and most significant to date, and has bearing on the candidates’ financial bearings as well as their vote share.
Ed Balls has the backing of the CWU, while Diane Abbott was endorsed by ASLEF.
