Skip to main content
Labour told to drop austerity or face defeat
McCluskey warns Labour could be challenged by new workers' party if it loses 2015 election

Unite union general secretary Len McCluskey warned Labour yesterday to drop its austerity policies or face election defeat and the possible establishment of a new workers' party.

Mr McCluskey urged Labour leader Ed Miliband to adopt radical alternative policies that would give people hope.

But he added bluntly: "If it is a pale shade of austerity, then I believe Labour will be defeated at the next election."

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
COUNTING ON CHANGE: Ballot boxes are stacked on tables ahead of the count for the 2026 Senedd elections at The Arena, Venue Cymru, Llandudno on May 8 2026
Features / 23 May 2026
23 May 2026

With a political crisis engulfing the Labour Party, the case for PR is back on the agenda. TONY BURKE argues trade unions must now engage on changes to our voting system

STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer speaks to lecturers and other university staff at a rally on Buchanan Street, Glasgow, September 19, 2023
Voices of Scotland / 8 July 2025
8 July 2025

Ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections, ROZ FOYER warns that a bold tax policy is needed to rebuild devastated public services which can serve as the foundation of a strong, fair economy

Jeremy Corbyn MP joins demonstrators outside the Royal Courts of Justice, central London, May 13, 2025
Opinion / 5 July 2025
5 July 2025

While Reform poses as a workers’ party, a credible left alternative rooted in working-class communities would expose their sham — and Corbyn’s stature will be crucial to its appeal, argues CHELLEY RYAN