Trade unionists launch group in support of Tessa Jowell’s mayoral bid

Today a group of trade unionists has launched ‘Trade Unionists for Tessa’ in support of Tessa Jowell’s bid to become Labour’s candidate for London Mayor.

The group, which is made up of individuals from all levels of the unions, is hoping to show that there is grass-roots support for Jowell’s campaign. Through Jowell’s campaign website, they will invite people in London who are members of any trade union to join their campaign.

The people leading this group are:

• Roger Lyons (Convenor) – Former General Secretary of Amicus (Now part of Unite), and former President of the TUC.
• Gaynelle Samuel – GMB Member
• Steve Garelick – GMB (Drivers) Branch Secretary, Professional Driver Branch
• Dee Stuart – Usdaw Member
• Syed Bashar – CWU Member, Political Officer, Mount Pleasant Branch
• Roshan Ghei – TSSA Member
• Mike Katz – Unison, London region committee member
• Grace Skelton – Community Member
• Aaron Lomax – Aslef Member

The group’s convenor, Roger Lyons has explained why they are supporting Jowell:

“Tessa is the Trade Unionists’ choice. We know there are countless working people from across London who want Tessa to be Mayor – those members of our proud movement deserve a voice, that’s what Trade Unionists for Tessa will do.

“Tessa can put Labour values into action – that’s what politics is all about. She can deliver the change that London needs. She has the One London vision to bind our city back together, through Sure Start and the Olympics she has proven she can deliver, and she’s best placed to beat the Tories – and Labour has to start winning elections again.

“Labour needs a candidate who can win, London needs a Mayor who can deliver – that’s why we are backing Tessa.”

The other candidates standing to be Labour’s London Mayoral candidate are: Diane Abbott, Sadiq Khan, David Lammy, Christian Wolmar and Gareth Thomas.