Union barons ‘influence policy’ with £27million in donations to the Labour party — and Len McCluskey’s Unite union has paid £11million into coffers
Sums emerge as Corbyn prepares to celebrate two years as party boss
UNION barons have got Jeremy Corbyn in their pocket by giving Labour £27million since he became leader, it was claimed last night.
The huge sum emerged yesterday as the leftie prepares to celebrate two years as party boss.
It means the “brothers” now have more influence than ever over Labour policy as a reward, according to Tories.
Trade union donations over the past two years account for more than half of all the money given to the party.
Unions bankrolled almost the entire Labour general election campaign, official figures show.
At the same time the biggest backers have seen their hardline demands make their way into Labour’s blueprint for running the country.
Corbyn cheerleader Len McCluskey’s Unite union has paid more than £11million into party coffers.
A string of his ideas, including huge spending splurges on nationalisation, have become official policy.
The GMB, Unison, RMT and TSSA have also put in vast sums. Their demands include taking railways and public utilities back into public ownership.
Tory chairman Sir Patrick McLoughlin said it seemed like “a clear case of cash for politics.”
A Labour spokesman insisted last night: “Labour’s popular manifesto is full of policies that benefit the many not the few.”
Leaders on 100k
By Ryan Sabey, Political Correspondent
UNION chiefs now leading strike threats are among dozens paid £100,000-plus a year.
The union pay “rich list” of 45 bosses rake in a combined £5.7 million and qualify for the top five per cent of earners.
The best paid is Russell Hobby on £161,548. His National Association of Head Teachers threatens action against school academy plans.
Rail union chiefs Mick Cash (£137,349) and Mick Whelan (£117,772) have led 36 days of industrial action between them.
Details emerged ahead of the TUC’s four-day annual congress today.