The GMB Union has backed two Greater Manchester MP’s in the race to become the next leader and Deputy leader of the Labour Party.
Executive members voted for their favoured candidate following a hustings in London earlier today.
Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary, said:
“Lisa Nandy is a breath of fresh air in the debate over Labour’s future.
“The more members see of Lisa in this contest the more impressed they will be by her ambition, optimism and decisive leadership. GMB is proud to dominate her
“Lisa won’t shy away from the tough challenges or bold decisions that lie ahead, because she knows that after fifteen years of losing elections, more of the same won’t cut it.
“A candidate entrenched in the union movement, Lisa gets the scale of the challenge.
“She will raise Labour’s game with a bold agenda that puts people first and grounds politics in their lives.”
On the Labour Deputy Leadership, Tim Roache, said:
“For the members I represent, Angela Rayner shows that politics is about them and rooted in real life.
“To those people who believe that politics is not for the likes of them or have been told their whole lives not to get ideas above their station, Angela Rayner is a role model and an inspiration. One who walks the talk.
“What a message it would send for a former minimum wage care worker to go from looking after people as a home help to being Deputy Leader of the Labour Party – that’s what our party was founded on, it’s who we should be.
“Angela is not just an inspiring activist and fearless organiser, she gets the scale of the challenge Labour faces and the need for a team effort that brings unity and takes the party forward to win again.
“With Lisa and Angela at the helm, Labour can do things differently. The Party can be relevant, bold, and truly grounded in their lives.”
Earlier Jess Phillips pulled out of the race for leader. She said the party needed a candidate that could unite all parts of the movement, adding: “I have to be honest that at this time, that person isn’t me”.
