Two of Britain’s largest trade unions have given their backing to Bridget Phillipson in the contest to become Labour’s next deputy leader. Unison, the country’s biggest union, and GMB have endorsed the Education Secretary in a significant boost ahead of this weekend’s Labour Party conference. Ms Phillipson, however, trails her rival Lucy Powell in polling of Labour members. A recent LabourList survey placed Ms Powell 17 points ahead among grassroots members, despite her being dismissed as Commons leader by Sir Keir Starmer earlier this month.
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The endorsements represent an important moment in the contest. Together, the two unions represent more than 1.8 million workers. Ms Phillipson’s commitments on education policy, particularly her pledge to reinstate the School Support Staff Negotiating Body, are seen as key factors in securing support. GMB, where she has been a member for two decades, highlighted the significance of restoring sector-wide negotiations on pay and conditions for school staff. Gary Smith, the union’s general secretary, said the policy was essential to address years of undervaluation in the profession.
Unite, however, has declined to endorse either candidate. Its general secretary, Sharon Graham, said Labour “does not offer the alternative that Britain needs” and warned that tinkering with existing policies would not address the challenges facing working people. Unite has previously suspended Angela Rayner’s membership and is re-examining its affiliation with the Labour Party. Meanwhile, both Ms Phillipson and Ms Powell continue to gather support from constituency Labour parties and other affiliates. Ms Phillipson has secured backing from six affiliate groups so far, while Ms Powell has the support of two, including the Communication Workers Union.
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Linda Hobson of Unison said Labour was “fortunate to have two such strong candidates” and praised Ms Phillipson as a persuasive voice for union members in public services. Ms Phillipson is regarded as Downing Street’s preferred choice given her Cabinet role, though ministers have avoided direct involvement. Ms Powell, meanwhile, enjoys the backing of Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and former minister Justin Madders. Both women have raised concerns over sexist commentary surrounding the contest, with Ms Powell suggesting the race has been reduced to a proxy battle between Sir Keir and Mr Burnham.
