Labour candidate McDonnell: Firefighters vital

Mr McDonnell, who needs backing from 33 Labour MPs to put him on the leadership ballot paper, heaped praise on firefighters for their support in securing him an increased majority.

Referring to his role as the union's parliamentary convener he said: "We rely on your strength and solidarity in lobbying government on the key issues."

The Hayes and Harlington MP said he understood why working-class people felt abandoned by new Labour.

"This is what lost us the election," he said frankly.

"We deserted our core support. We lost the trust of working-class people who founded our party.

"We systematically alienated these people.

"Trades unions mobilise for the party and then they don't go and repeal the anti-trade union laws."

But Mr McDonnell gave a stark warning to conference about what lies in store for union members under the new coalition government.

"I warn you they will come for us. They will come for your pensions and your jobs," said Mr McDonnell.

"The one service where they won't attack the pensions scheme is the police. They will need them to bring us into line when we resist."

In the face of such attacks Mr McDonnell called for maximum unity across the entire trade union movement.

"We need every ally we can get," he said.

Supporting calls for co-ordinated action under the banner of the TUC, Mr McDonnell also highlighted the "important role" of the Trade Union Co-ordinating Group.

"It is made up of eight unions and will be an important body in the coming battles," he explained.

Intertwining his speech with some sharp humour, Mr McDonnell recalled his reaction to being canvassed to support Ed Miliband for leader of the Labour Party.

"Is this the Ed Miliband who wanted to create a third runaway and obliterate the homes of 10,000 of my constituents? Hmm, put me down as a doubtful," he said to laughter from conference.

Rounding off his address he added: "We have to re-establish the Labour Party back into a socialist party. That is my aim."