Ex-Unite boss Len McCluskey has hinted that trade unions might abandon Labour for Jeremy Corbyn’s new party if it proves “credible,” raising concerns on the left of a historic break in relations.
McCluskey, 74, comments heap fresh pressure on Labour as internal divisions widen. Just days ago, Corbyn declared “change is coming” and praised Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana for quitting Labour to help “build a real alternative” to the party he once led.
McCluskey, one of Corbyn’s staunchest allies, made clear that trade unions are weighing up their options. “If this new party demonstrates its credible, then trade unions will consider their affiliations,” he warned.
The developments could deal a major blow to Starmer’s election hopes, with trade unions providing crucial funding and grassroots support. If Corbyn’s movement gains traction, Labour risks losing its traditional base ahead of the next election.
Len McCluskey says unions might abandon Labour for Jeremy Corbyn’s new part
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Speaking exclusively to GB News, McCluskey said: “If the new party proves credible, then I will join it, I will campaign for it and I will urge individuals and trade unions to give their support.”
He added: “Many thousands of union activists are demanding a credible and radical alternative to Labour,” pointing to growing frustration with Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
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McCluskey also warned that without such an option, voters could look elsewhere.
“As ordinary people get disillusioned, they will turn to Reform UK, which is why there is a desperate need for another choice,” he said.
The co-founder of Momentum and Jeremy Corbyn’s former director of communications, James Schneider, has welcomed Len McCluskey’s remarks, describing them as “positive” and “encouraging.”
Speaking after McCluskey’s comments, Schneider said: “We have had a year of the new Labour Government that promised change and has not delivered it. There are millions of people across the country who are simply not represented in the political system.”
McCluskey also warned that without such an option, voters could look elsewhere
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He added: “The fact that a new party is coming is very exciting for a lot of people."
Starmer faces growing unrest from Labour’s left for refusing to scrap the two-child benefit cap and cutting Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners, with the Benefits bill revolt exposing deep divisions within the party just a year into Government.
And Labour received over £1.15million from trade unions in early 2025. Unite topped the list with donations exceeding £400,000, followed closely by Unison.
The CWU contributed around £134,000 across two quarters, while GMB gave £229,000. Smaller sums came from ASLEF, USDAW and the FBU.
Corbyn’s decision to launch a new political party has not been welcomed by everyone, with long-time ally and Labour MP Barry Gardiner describing it as a “mistake”.
The ex-Shadow Trade Secretary said: “Single issue protest parties rarely connect with the wider British electorate.”
“People are hungry for a politics of Hope and Labour has struggled to deliver this given the economic inheritance from 14 years of Conservative failure.”
He fumed: “Ironically, the new party seems to be like Reform, focussed on what is wrong but with little to offer about how to put it right."
Despite winning over 400 seats in the 2024 General Election, Labour is down to 24 per cent in the latest YouGov poll, with Starmer’s favourability at 28 per cent and an unfavourability rating of 62 per cent.
Labour is down to 24 per cent in the latest YouGov poll, with Starmer’s favourability at 28 per cent and an unfavourability rating of 62 per cent
GETTYReform UK Chief Whip Lee Anderson said: At the end of the day the Unions are the paymasters of the Labour Party. The unions say 'jump' the Labour Party says, 'how high?' There is no financial gain for the trade unions if they back Corbyn, as a Corbyn led party will never be in power."
"Let Corbyn crack on waving his flag of Palestine whilst trying to drag us back to the 1970's. We will stand up for the British people and fight him every step of the way."
Conservative MP Joy Morrissey also told the People's Channel: "If the unions join Corbyn and the Muslim Independent MPs and voters join him and vote for him, Labour could be completely toast in the next election."
A Labour Party spokesman said: “In just 12 months, this Labour Government has boosted wages, expanded workers’ rights, delivered an extra four million NHS appointments, opened 750 free breakfast clubs, secured three trade deals and helped deliver four interest rate cuts lowering mortgage payments for millions."
"Only Labour can deliver the change needed to renew Britain.”
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