LABOUR LEADERSHIP CONTENDER JOHN MCDONNELL LAUNCHES HIS CAMPAIGN FOR TRADE UNION SUPPORT WITH THE PUBLICATION OF HIS TRADE UNION MANIFESTO AT TUC

Broad Lefts within many key unions intensifying their support for Left challenger... John McDonnell's leadership campaign will be at the heart of the trade union movement at this week's TUC...

Following the launch of his nationwide campaign for the Labour leadership at a packed meeting in Manchester yesterday, John McDonnell MP will be launching his Trade Union Manifesto at the TUC next week.

On the eve of the TUC, John McDonnell said: "The concerns of trade union members regarding manufacturing, pensions, employment rights and privatisation are absolutely central to my campaign. New Labour has failed to listen to the unions or taken notice of the professional experience and understanding of workers on the frontline. This week's TUC gives us an opportunity to place the concerns of the trade union movement at the heart of the election for the new party leader.

"My nationwide campaign for the Labour leadership was launched yesterday to a packed meeting at the Mechanics Institute, the birthplace of the TUC. I have been overwhelmed by the support from trade unionists and Labour activists who are key to building this historic campaign.

"Under Labour's election rules, every affiliated trade union will be required to ballot their members in the election for the leader of the Labour party and it is crucial that there is a candidate who represents their views."