GMB chief: We are Labour but party can only win with “practical policies”

The head of one of Britain’s largest trade unions today warned that Labour cannot afford to be “complacent” about the challenges it faces, and needs “practical policies” to succeed.

Tim Roache, the recently elected GMB General Secretary, told delegates at the union’s annual conference in Bournemouth that he was “unashamedly Labour”, but added that the party needs “practical policies rooted in real life” to win.

In his first conference address as General Secretary, Roache added that he was “not complacent about the challenges we face” as a party.

Although Roache is perceived as a broadly pro-Corbyn figure – and delegates passed motions earlier in the day calling on Labour MPs to be more supportive of the leadership – his remarks will be seen as a warning over subjects such as Trident. While Jeremy Corbyn is pushing for his preferred position of not renewing Trident, the GMB represents many workers who maintain the nuclear missile system and supports a policy of renewal. Shadow Defence Secretary Emily Thornberry is due to present the initial findings of her review into Labour’s defence policy.

Roache also laid into the Conservatives, especially over the controversial Trade Union Bill, saying: “You’re not the party of workers, you’re the party of austerity and misery and we will fight you all the way”.

He said he was proud to be on the side of over half a million GMB members against the Tories. “I’d rather be on a team with 640,00 members and growing than quaffing champagne with Cameron and Osborne on their benches,” he said.

However, much of the attention to his speech was for an attack on pro-Leave Tory minister Priti Patel during his argument for a Remain vote in the EU referendum. “Priti Patel, surely a contradiction in her name,” Roache said, in a comment that has drawn accusations of sexism. But the GMB boss maintains that it was a description of the Employment Minister’s attitude towards workers’ rights.