David Miliband wins first Union endorsement

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

Update: David Miliband has responded to the news of USDAW’s endorsement, saying:

“I am honoured and delighted to have secured the support of Usdaw… a modern, forward looking union that campaigns on key issues of concern for their members and is increasing its membership as a result.

Usdaw has always been a leading voice in promoting rights and support for working families. They worked closely with Labour in government to deliver tax credits for working parents, extended paid maternity leave, the introduction of paid paternity and adoptive leave and much more besides.”

David will be visiting Usdaw Central Office in Manchester today, to personally thank Usdaw for their nomination.

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According to Paul Waugh on his excellent Evening Standard blog, David Miliband has received the first trade union endorsement of the leadership race from USDAW.

USDAW General Secretary John Hannett is quoted as saying that the union executive council were,

“particularly impressed by the fact that David emphasises the positive progress made during Labour’s 13 years in office.”

There hasn’t been a lot of discussion so far about the Trade Union section of the leadership ballot. Opinion is divided over how much influence supporting nominations such as this can have when it comes to carrying the votes of union members. However it should not be forgotten that in 2007 Hazel Blears was supported by USDAW,and despite a disappointing performance overall, she took the majority of USDAW votes.

(In an earlier version of this post I suggested that Trade Unions aren’t allowed to send out supporting literature with ballot papers for this election. Former Jon Cruddas campaign chief Matthew McGregor has informed me that this is NEC guidance, rather than a rule change, so that section has been removed.)