A day in the race: July 15th

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

Today was all about union nominations – and we’ve had four today spread across three candidates in what has been a much busier day than usual in the leadership race.

We’ve had fundraising drives, a birthday and a much anticipated TV appearance chat, in a day in the race that could be the point at which the campaign kicks up a gear.

ED MILIBAND had a successful day today, picking up two nominations from trade unions – including the highly prized GMB nomination. Although several unions have supported candidates already, the GMB endorsement is the biggest to date – and should go some way to helping the Ed campaign financially, if not necessarily guaranteeing the votes of their members in the final ballot.

Ed Miliband responded to news of the GMB nomination, saying that he is “honoured” and “grateful” for their support. He said:

“I am very grateful, and feel deeply honoured to have received the backing of the GMB – they are one of Britain’s most important trade unions.”

“The GMB represents 700 000 members in the UK and works hard to secure a fair deal at work for all of them. I am very grateful that they have put their trust in me to stand up for their members and to put our shared values at the heart of everything that Labour does in opposition and then back in government.”

“We will win the next General Election, not in spite of our Labour values, but because of them. When we are bold and set out a clear direction, I know that the people of Britain support us in fighting for a more just, prosperous and equal country.”

Miliband later received a nomination from the smaller UCATT union (representing the construction industry).

Ed’s campaign have also spent today engaged in the first attempt by any campaign to solicit significant numbers of small donations. In an email this morning, which was clearly a subtle attack on the David Miliband machine, Hilary Benn said:

“Two months into this campaign, we are all immensely proud of what Ed Miliband and his team have achieved so far. But after two months of seeking to renew our Labour Party, last week it was revealed by the Electoral Commission that big donors are backing other campaigns to the tune of some £185,000…”

“To build on [our] grassroots success, we want to raise £5,000 in the next 24 hours — to pay for regional organisation in these final days of nominations.”

In an email this afternoon, Ed revealed that they have already received £4k – meaning they are almost certain to reach their target by the end of play today. If this success can be repeated, this could provide some of the funding the Ed needs to keep pace with his older brother.

And as if all of that wasn’t enough for one day, Ed was also featured in today’s BBC news profile of a leadership contender – and admitted “some members of the cabinet did have doubts” about whether Gordon Brown should be Labour’s leader, wrote an article for the Times on Labour’s southern problem, saying “we need a complete ideological overhaul if we are to win again,” and did a livechat on Facebook. Phew!

There was another big nomination in the leadership race today, and it went to ED BALLS. The CWU are the first union to back Ed, with General Secretary Billy Hayes saying:

“Ed Balls has a sense of purpose and vision that can rebuild the Labour Party.”

He values the contribution that trade unions make to the country and to the Labour Party.”

We also believe that he is tough minded enough to lead the country and are certain that he is the right leader for Labour.”

This is the first union nomination for the Balls campaign – and it’s a big one. The CWU represents 250,000 workers in the telecoms industry and the postal service – and they will be able to add some clout to Ed’s campaign.

Responding to the news, Ed said:

“I’m honoured to have received the CWU’s nomination following this week’s hustings and the recommendation they will make to their members in the one member one vote ballot in September.”

I want to strengthen Labour’s link with the trade unions – not just nationally, but on the ground in every constituency and union branch. That is the best way for Labour to stay in touch with millions of working people who depend on Labour to stand up for them.”

Earlier today there was much hilarity (and some confusion) as it was revealed that Ed Balls will be appearing on the hit TV show “How to Look Good Naked”. However he’s not getting his kit off – he’s talking about body confidence in young people. It was filmed while he was a minister at the DCSF.

Balls will be on This Week tonight.

DIANE ABBOTT was nominated by her second union today (and her second transport union) when she was backed by Aslef. Diane said:

“I have been nominated by ASLEF (train drivers union). This makes two more unions than Ed Balls and level pegging with David Milliband.”

General Secretary Keith Norman said:

“ASLEF supports Diane for leader as the candidate committed to a publicly run, publicly owned railway. We’ll be advising all members to give her their first preference vote in the leadership contest.”

Diane also commented on the coalition government’s announcement to review counter-terrorism powers today, saying:

“This is something that Labour should have done long ago. We are crazy to attack the coalition from the right on civil liberties…I have spoken out on civil liberties ever since I entered Parliament 23 years ago when I first challenged the stop and search laws.”

DAVID MILIBAND was in the South West today on his visit to the region, and began by visiting Coombeshead College in Newton Abbot where he met with young people who presented him with a 45th birthday cake! (Happy Birthday, David.)

This evening David will be meeting with members, supporters and non-members from Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport and neighbouring constituencies. And afterwards, Ben Bradshaw (one of his strongest supporters) will be hosting a Q&A with David in Exeter.

David now has a commanding lead in CLP nominations, and will be hoping to extend that lead while he focuses so much on one area of the country so often neglected by Labour politicians.

ANDY BURNHAM had a quiet day today – only popping up on Twitter to comment on crime statistics, and return to his older role as “continuity candidate”, saying:

“Today’s crime stats great 4 Lab. Bears out TB ‘tough on crime’ pledge and policy on ASB, CCTV, DNA etc. We all need more pride in record.”

Andy is now the only candidate not to have picked up union support. Of course two of the biggest and most powerful unions (Unite and Unison) are still to play for – but Burnham could really do with picking up one of those if he’s not to look left behind.