Afternoon:
15°c
Ed Miliband faced a growing backlash from the unions today amid moves to curb their power over the Labour Party.
Union officials threatened to withdraw financial support from the party if they were sidelined, as the Labour leader insisted he was not trying to manufacture a fight.
But his gamble of trying to win private backing before the party conference next month looked set to backfire. "Maybe instead of navel gazing and infighting with unions, Labour might like to defend public servants," said Richard Simcox, of the PCS union.
Unions blocked Mr Miliband's choice for Labour's general secretary last month and installed their own man. Defeat now on his reforms would be very damaging.
He wants to cut the union share of votes at party conference from 50 per cent to 40 per cent or a third, and reduce union influence in future leadership elections. In return, he says he will give conference a bigger say over policies and the manifesto.
"Ed is keen to make the party more outward-facing and open up the annual conference," said a Labour spokesman. "But no decisions have been taken."
Reader views (3)
I am not sure I fully understand this. The unions buy votes? And some on the left think that the influence of business contributors on the Tories (where no one can buy votes) is questionable!!! Well, well, well.
- Sir Notso Stu-Pidfool, London, 04/08/2011 03:53
Report abuse
what was up with my last comment moderator. do you actually speek and read english? i can think of no other reason that my last comment wasn't posted. please re read it and then you'll find there was nothing wrong with it!!!!!!
- tom, london, 03/08/2011 22:22
Report abuse
I dont understand Ed.
The Labour party exists as the political wing of organised, unionised workers.
You cant separate them; they are one and the same thing.
- Andyr, St ives, 03/08/2011 16:40
Report abuse
