New boost for Jeremy Corbyn in race for Labour leadership

Jeremy Corbyn has received another boost in his bid to become Labour leader when he was backed by one of the country's biggest trade unions.

Unison leaders decided to nominate the London MP, with Yvette Cooper as its second choice.

“Jeremy Corbyn’s message has resonated with public sector workers who have suffered years of pay freezes, redundancies with too many having to work more for less,” said Unison general secretary Dave Prentis. “They have been penalised for too long by a government that keeps on taking more and more from them. Their choice shows a clear need for change towards a fairer society where work is fairly rewarded, and where those living and working in poverty supported.

“Today’s decision is a recommendation, and our members are of course free to cast their vote as to who they think should lead the Labour Party.”

Labour Unison represents 1.3 million workers, with 28,000 members in the Labour Party, and about 15,000 registered to vote in the leadership contest.

The decision was taken by Unison’s National Labour Link Committee, which has 23 elected members.

Mr Corbyn has also received the backing of the leadership of the biggest trade union, Unite.

Meanwhile, leaders of the GMB decided to make no recommendation on who their members should vote for.

A spokesman said: “Following consultations there was no clear consensus for a recommendation for any one candidate for leader and therefore GMB will be making no recommendation in that election.

“Given the extensive debates and candidates’ hustings, GMB members will cast their votes for a candidate of their choice for leader in the normal way.”

Labour Unison’s decision followed new odds from bookmakers William Hill, making Mr Corbyn favourite to win the contest for the first time, at 11/8, after posting him as 200/1 rank outsider when he first entered the race.

Voting opens on August 14, with the result due on September 12.