I am pleased to have received messages of support from across the trade union movement, especially from women trade unionists. I believe that trade union members should support me for deputy leader of the Labour Party, because of who I am, what I offer, and what I will do.

I grew up in Salford in the 50s and 60s. My Dad was a fitter in a factory. He was a union man, and shop steward for the AEU. My Mum was a secretary for the electricians’ union. They left school at 14. My brother drives a bus in Manchester. I joined my trade union, became a branch representative, speaking up for my members and leading them into industrial action. It took me twelve years before I was elected to represent my home city of Salford, and I have served as a local councillor and chair of the community health council (CHC).

For me, the trade union movement is a vital part of our democracy and our economy. We need active, vibrant trade unions, engaged in every workplace and speaking in a language everyone can understand. We need unions which are concerned with the bread and butter issues, for example the GMB’s campaign for safely for security guards, or UCATT’s campaign to make construction sites accident-free, or the USDAW campaign to protect shop workers against violence and abuse.

I want to lead a programme of reform of the Labour Party, but as we do, it is vital that unions remain at the heart of our movement. I have always made it clear that the party-union link brings positive benefits to both the unions and the party. It is our hot-line to millions of workers, and ensures that our government’s policies remain relevant.

Just as the Labour Party needs to change, so do trade unions. Every union can learn from the best organisations which engage and involve women, young people, black people, and people with disabilities. Every union can do more to be open and transparent. Every union can reach out to new members in new industries and types of employment. If unions don’t change, they run the risk of being left behind.

I want to highlight the important issues during this campaign: creating enough affordable housing by allowing councils to build more homes, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, fighting climate change, getting better discipline in schools, improving our NHS, and addressing the issues of work-life balance.

I believe the role of deputy leader should be Labour’s campaigner-in-chief, not deputy prime minister. It should be a full-time Labour Party job, not an add-on to running a government department. We’ve got a big job to do in the coming months. We must build our party, and reach out to new supporters especially in the key marginal seats. Together, we can win a fourth term for Labour.

Read my statement on why trade union members should vote for me

Read my biography

Read my responses to the UnionsTogether Election Survey

View my UnionsTogether TV Interview