The shadow Brexit secretary has received the backing of Unison, that boasts over 1.4million members, giving him a commanding lead over rival Rebecca Long Bailey. Sir Keir also won the backing of 23 Labour MPs, which is already enough support to get him through to the next stage of the leadership race. The news will come as a blow to the shadow business secretary, dubbed the “continuity” candidate due to her close allegiance with current leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Announcing the backing this afternoon, Unison’s general secretary Dave Prentis took a swipe at Mr Corbyn’s disastrous election campaign – it’s worst performance since 1935.
He said: “This is a pivotal time for Labour. We believe – if elected by the membership – Keir Starmer would be a leader to bring the party together and win back the trust of the thousands of voters who deserted Labour last month.
“Unions created the Labour Party to give working people a voice in Westminster.
“But it can only achieve for them, their families, their communities and the country’s public services when in Government.”
The trade union also endorsed Angela Rayner in her bid to become deputy leader.
Receiving the endorsement from Unison is an important first step for the leadership hopeful, who bookmakers pen as the favourite to succeed Mr Corbyn.
William Hill place him on odds of 8/11, while Ladbrokes have him on odds of 4/5.
Sir Keir said he was “honoured” to have received the endorsement, and said: “UNISON members represent some of the best of our movement and our country.”
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But 163 Labour MPs have yet to cast their vote, which means a lot could change in the next few days.
Under Labour’s current leadership formalities, candidates have to secure nominations from at least 10 percent of the party’s MPs and MEPs – currently set at 22.
Nominations are set to close at 2.30pm on January 13.
The second stage will run from January 15 to February 14 and involves winning nominations of five percent of the almost 300 constituency Labour parties or three Labour affiliates – of which at least two must be trade unions, comprising at least five percent of the fully paid-up affiliate membership.
After that the ballot of members and registered supporters opens, on February 21 and will remain open until April 2.
The winner will then be announced at a special conference on April 4.
