UNISON, the UK’s largest union, has today (Wednesday) backed Angela Rayner to become deputy leader of the Labour Party.

The decision was taken by the union’s Labour Link committee, which is made up of working people from across the country and from all walks of life. All are members of the Labour Party.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Angie has a long association with UNISON as a member and a union rep and has an intimate understanding of the day-to-day struggles facing working people and their families across the UK.

“Angie’s popularity across the party means she is the right person to handle the challenges of this job. Angie will make a great deputy leader if elected.”

Vice chair of UNISON’s Labour Link Committee Linda Hobson said: “Angela Rayner has been a care worker and a dynamic campaigner for UNISON, representing the needs of workers, before entering Parliament.

“Unlike so many out-of-touch career politicians, Angie has had a real job, a real life and has faced the sort of difficulties experienced by millions of people in communities across the country. She’s not someone who has spent their career in the Westminster bubble.

“If elected, Angie will be a powerful passionate voice at the top of the party to win back voters and create a brighter future.”

Notes to editors

– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.

Media contacts:

Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk

Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk