Nicola and Kezia vie for backing of Unite union

LABOUR and the SNP will go headto-head this weekend in a desperate attempt to win over firebrand union boss Len McCluskey.

The Unite union will hold its first ever Scottish conference in Clydebank, with UK and Scottish Labour leaders Jeremy Corbyn and Kezia Dugdale, as well as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, due to speak.

Unite is Labour’s biggest donor, but relations with Mr McCluskey – who will address delegates tomorrow – have been strained since a bust-up with former Scottish party leader Jim Murphy.

The SNP is keen to win over the unions and has made a series of concessions in Government, including refusing to crack down on the number of taxpayerfunded posts for union officials.

The thorny issue of Trident nuclear weapons – backed by many in Unite because of the jobs the system supports at Faslane – does not appear on the agenda for the two-day conference.

Miss Dugdale will shy away from mentioning the debate in her speech today but the Mail understands Miss Sturgeon, who opposes Trident, is prepared to comment on the subject when she takes the stage tomorrow.

Miss Dugdale will today attempt to charm the unions by saying: ‘I am calling on all trade unionists to join Scottish Labour and speak with one voice to say these SNP cuts to local councils responsible for our schools and social care just aren’t acceptable.’