Prospective Labour Leader Meets Union Officials Ahead of Leadership Bid

Andy Burnham met leaders of trade unions that help fund the Labour Party at the headquarters of Unison, one of the 11 unions affiliated with the party. The meeting took place as Burnham seeks support ahead of his expected premiership. In a speech on Monday, his first since launching his bid to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister, Burnham suggested he wanted local communities to be given greater public control of essential services.

The GMB union raised issues including ownership of water, buying British, school support staff and equal pay. Trade union support is an important step on the way to becoming a candidate for the Labour leadership. Candidates must secure the support of 20% of Labour MPs and either 5% of constituency Labour Parties or at least three affiliates of the party, including at least two trade unions.

A central point of contention between some of the unions and Burnham is the possible appointment of Ed Miliband as his chancellor. The leader of the Unite union Sharon Graham has openly criticised the potential appointment and suggested it would put a noose around the neck of job creation.

Gary Smith, the general secretary of the GMB, has described the government's net zero policies on the North Sea oil and gas industries as shameful and economic madness. Andrea Egan, the general secretary of Unison, has backed Miliband for chancellor.

One other candidate reportedly being considered as chancellor in a Burnham government is Wes Streeting. No promises on job offers have been given.