Unite backs ‘brain and brilliance’ of Long-bailey

REBECCA LONG-BAILEY’S leadership campaign has received a shot in the arm after Unite, Labour’s biggest financial backer, endorsed her to replace Jeremy Corbyn.

Announcing the decision last night, Len Mccluskey, the general secretary, said the union’s executive committee had “overwhelmingly” voted to back the candidate over her three rivals.

The endorsement of Britain’s second-biggest trade union will come as a major boost to the shadow business secretary who, despite being the hardleft favourite, has fallen significantly behind rival Sir Keir Starmer.

However, in a blow for her ally, Angela Rayner, the front-runner to become deputy leader, Unite has opted to back Richard Burgon.

The endorsement takes Ms Longbailey within touching distance of the last stage of the contest, with the Salford MP needing just one more nomination from an affiliated group to qualify.

Mr Mccluskey said the union’s preferred candidate has “both the brains and the brilliance to take on Boris Johnson”.

“She’s incredibly committed, she’s very, very strong in her beliefs and her vision,” he added.

He also dismissed suggestions that Ms Long-bailey, who helped write Labour’s manifesto, should share the blame for the party’s worst general election performance since 1935.

It follows claims that a number of senior Unite figures, including Mr Mccluskey, had discussed backing rival candidate Lisa Nandy due to her focus on rebuilding trust with working class Leave voters in Labour’s heartlands.

Branded the “continuity” candidate by critics in the party, Ms Long-bailey remains tied with Ms Nandy on seven nominations, while Sir Keir, the clear frontrunner, has already secured 32.

The Fire Brigades Union and the Communication Workers Union are widely expected to endorse Ms Longbailey next week.