UNION LEADERS WELCOME THE RESULTS OF THE LEADERSHIP ELECTION
UNIONS have welcomed the Labour leadership result and said Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner would help rebuild the party ready for the next election.
Len McCluskey, general secretary of Unite, said: “Both Keir and Angela have pledged to build upon our party’s radicalism. It is the job now of our movement to support them in this as they move forward to ensure our party plays its full part in our national political life in these unprecedented times.”
Mick Whelan, general secretary of the train drivers’ union Aslef, said the new leadership team was ready to rebuild Labour as an electoral force in Britain.
“They have the ideals, the vision, the organisational expertise, and the determination to deliver for all the people of this country.
“The result of the general election in December was a low point for the party but Keir and Angela understand what needs to be done to win back the hearts, the minds, and, yes, the votes of those who turned their backs on Labour.”
Tim Roache, GMB general secretary, said it was time to start a “new chapter”, adding: “We need to leave behind the infighting and navel-gazing and get on with being a government in waiting.
“We’re in very uncertain times right now, and that calls for bold and strong leadership.”
Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: “I’m so pleased Keir has been elected. He now has a clear mandate to lead Labour at this difficult time for our country. The qualities Keir embodies – public service, respect and trust – are values Unison shares, and they’ve never been more important.
“Unison will be right behind Keir as Labour works with government and holds ministers to account.”
Paddy Lillis, general secretary of the shop workers union Usdaw said: “We have every confidence that Keir will be a leader who can persuade voters that he has what it takes to be prime minister and Labour is a government in waiting.
“At this time of crisis we know he will be responsible and collaborative as leader of the opposition, but also offer constructive criticism to the Government on behalf of working people who are struggling through the coronavirus emergency.”
Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the Community union said: “When Community nominated Keir and Angela, we did so because we thought they were best-placed to unite a fractured movement and begin rebuilding the Labour Party.
“The party can now come together and create a vision for the future of Britain that connects with voters.”