UCATT endorse Sadiq Khan to be London Mayor

UCATT has become the latest trade union to endorse Sadiq Khan for London Mayor.

UCATT represents more than 80,000 construction workers across the UK. In offering their backing to the Tooting MP they have joined GMB and Unite who last week announced they were endorsing Khan to be Labour’s candidate for London Mayor.

This latest endorsement comes as Khan has laid out his plans for a ‘London Living Rent’. He is also expected to announce new policy on building more council homes in the coming days.

In an article for Labourlist on Sunday, he declared his opposition to reducing the benefit cap, despite Harriet Harman saying that the party were “sympathetic to this plan. Khan also argued against the Conservative’s policy of  extending right to buy to include housing association properties.

Jerry Swain, UCATT Regional Secretary for London and the South East, explained the union’s reasons for backing Khan:

 “The policies and ideas that Sadiq Khan has set out on housing demonstrate that he understands the challenges that people in London face on a daily basis. They show that he has the conviction to make radical policy decisions which are based on the needs of people who live and work in London. UCATT is delighted to endorse Sadiq Khan for London Mayor.”

Khan has welcomed this endorsement, saying:

“I’m delighted to have the support of UCATT, who represent the construction workers who will build the homes Londoners need. 

Londoners desperately need action to tackle the housing crisis; a London Living Rent, building more homes – especially Council Homes, and protecting Londoners from the worst effects of this Tory Government. None of this will be possible without the men and women who build the homes we need.

As Mayor I will ensure construction workers get the skills they need to progress in their career, fight for proper protection in the workplace and take a zero tolerance approach to the black listing of trade union members.

I look forward to working with all UCATT members to change London together.”

Khan is one of eight people in the running to be Labour’s candidate for London Mayor, they include: Diane Abbott, Tessa Jowell, David Lammy, Gareth Thomas and Christian Wolmar. Two others who have put their names forward are Dr Neeraj Patil and Keeran Kerai.

The nominations process closes next Wednesday and the shortlist will be announced on the 13th June.