Sir Keir Starmer’s hold on power could be dealt a hammer blow as one of Labour’s traditional biggest union supporters is reportedly considering a vote on splitting from the party. Since the Labour Party was founded at the start of the 20th century it has always counted on the unwavering political and financial support of the big trade unions.
But in an earthquake-like move, senior officials at one of the nation’s biggest unions, Unite, are allegedy in talks about whether to call an emergency conference to vote for formal disaffiliation from Labour. Unite, which has over 1.2 million members, would be a huge loss to Sir Keir and further damage his cause with the Left of the party from where his biggest challengers are emerging. It could also be a massive financial blow to Labour as Unite gives around £1.4 million to the party each year through affiliation fees.
On Friday, it was reported Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, both liked by the Left of the party, were considering a “pact” to oust the PM, with Mr Streeting aiming to take the top job and Ms Rayner taking any Cabinet role “she chooses”. A spokesperson for Mr Streeting, and a source close to Ms Rayner, both denied the allegations.
But in a further blow to Sir Keir, the Telegraph reports there is “intense frustration” around the PM in Unite, from the top down to grass roots membership.
A Labour MP told the paper only a new party leader could win back support from the union, adding: “They would coalesce around one candidate on the Left of the party.”
Another MP said: “This is a major union, it is a major player within the wider Labour movement, it is a critically important relationship – but it has become dysfunctional.”
The Prime Minister has been fighting to save his leadership amidst plummeting ratings in the polls which have dogged him as PM just 18 months into his premiership. The illegal migrant small boats crisis, the cost of living, rising personal and business taxes, as well as U-turns by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, have caused Labour to drop below the Conservatives, Reform UK and even the Liberal Democrats and Greens in many recent polls.
Sharon Graham, the General Secretary of Unite the Union, criticised Labour at a conference in Brighton in September, she told Sky News: “What they need to do is to be Labour. People were crying for them to get in, wanting them to get in. I wanted them to get in, but they’re not doing the things we thought they would do.
“We are affiliated to Labour, but it’s harder and harder to justify that if they’re not backing workers. We’re a trade union. I am general secretary of a trade union that backs workers. I expect Labour to back workers.
“If they don’t, then our members will make the decision. It’s them who make the decisions and they may decide not to be affiliated to Labour for that reason.”
Over the past 25 years Unite has been one of two biggest donors to the Labour Party, according to the Electoral Commission, with the union giving £52.2 million to the party in that time.