Major setback for Jeremy Corbyn as union members back Owen Smith for Labour leader

JEREMY Corbyn suffered his first major blow of the Labour leadership contest last night as union chiefs broke ranks to start attacking each other.

GMB boss Tim Roache turned on his rivals saying decisions on what candidate to back should not be “taken from up on high”.

It came as leadership challenger Owen Smith was given a ray of hope after a ballot by the GMB union found members were 60/40 per cent in favour of backing him in the battle with Jeremy Corbyn.

General secretary Tim Roache said he would “proudly campaign” alongside Owen Smith on “bread and butter” issues.

He said: “GMB balloted our members because this kind of decision shouldn’t be taken from up on high.

We’re a democratic organisation here to serve our members’ interests. I was determined that our members would have their say, and they’ve had it.”

The GMB – which is Britain’s third biggest union – has more than 600,000 members and represents workers on the Trident nuclear weapons programme.

Around 30,000 are eligible to vote in the leadership election.

Mr Roache’s comments can be seen as a direct barb towards Red Len McCluskey’s Unite union – who back Mr Corbyn.

Mr Roache warned a victory for Jeremy Corbyn would only allow the Tories to “run riot” through workers’ rights and public services.

He added: “The Labour Party is at a crossroads. I’m under no illusions that we’re living through dangerous political times - the like of which I haven’t seen during my three decades in our movement.
It’s time for us to face up to reality.”

Mr Smith, who has also won the support of other trade unions including Usdaw, Community and the Musician’s Union, welcomed the support.

He said: “It’s a great honour to receive GMB’s nomination to be the next leader of the Labour Party after a consultation with its members.

“At the heart of my campaign are commitments to strengthening our trade unions, ending exploitation and delivering greater equality.”