I am standing for the Deputy Leadership of the party because it is essential to reach out to the millions Labour has lost touch with.

The only way to do is to reconnect the leadership of the party in government with MPs, members and trade unions.

For me, the Labour trade union link is non-negotiable.

I want a strong partnership between our Labour government and the unions, with problems resolved by dialogue, negotiation and respect. The role of the Deputy Leader is vital to delivering this: representing the views of party and trade union members at the heart of the Cabinet, not from the sidelines.

To stop a resurgent Tory Party and win next time we must build on Labour’s best achievements by offering a radical new vision including:

• Narrowing the inequality gap
• Pushing more power down to individuals and local communities
• Placing a new ‘red-green’ agenda at the heart of government
• Pursuing a progressive foreign policy
• Real partnership with unions, base on proper dialogue and consultation.

My trade union agenda includes:

• Keeping the 50 per cent union share of votes at annual conference unlike other Deputy Leadership candidates who have publicly proposed reducing the union vote.

• Implementing the full terms of the Warwick agreement, and building on it as a blueprint for future partnership, proper protection for pension funds and the rights of temporary and agency workers.

• Continuing investment in public services and a programme of improvement underpinned by Labour values.

• Establishing a new Employment Rights’ Commission to ensure that all new employment rights are a reality in every workplace, with tough new enforcement powers and proper resources to investigate breaches e.g. failures to pay the NMW.

• Ensuring new laws on corporate manslaughter are rigorously enforced, and reviewing the role of private equity funds in company takeovers to see what reforms are needed to stop asset stripping.

• Allowing unions to free up resources for campaigning by removing the costly, ritual and unnecessary mandatory ballots to renew union political funds, and replacing it with a trigger ballot of say 5 per cent of the membership if there was dissatisfaction with an established fund.

• Introducing the choice of individual secret ballots in either workplaces or homes in elections for union Executives and General Secretaries to encourage turnout.

I believe that I am the best person for the job because I am:

• A unifier, who can bring people together as demonstrated in negotiating the dramatic breakthrough in Northern Ireland.

• A team player, but independently-minded who will stand up for socialist values

• A lifelong campaigner from anti apartheid and anti-racist activism, to grass roots Labour Party and trade union work.

• Extensive government experience, from Wales and Northern Ireland to Leader of the Commons, the Foreign Office and DTI where I reformed the scheme for sick miners to deliver over £3 billion in compensation.

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