Press releases

CWU members call for John McDonnell on the ballot paper

25th May 2010

A packed fringe meeting of over 150 CWU activists today called for John McDonnell MP to be on the ballot paper for Labour Party leader.

John McDonnell MP was speaking alongside CWU General Secretary Billy Hayes at a meeting specially arranged by 8 CWU branches. At the meeting Billy reaffirmed that he would contact all CWU supported MPs and others to put John on the ballot paper.

John McDonnell MP said:

“The level of CWU support was overwhelming. CWU members are expressing a clear view to Labour MPs that democracy must prevail in the party and the ballot must include all the declared candidates.”

Dave Jones, Political Officer from CWU Wolverhampton & District branch said:

“If John is not on the ballot paper it will be son of Tony, son of Gordon, same old, same old”

Richard Kassir, from Harrow & District branch said:

“Actions speak louder than words. On a very cold morning in 2007, John joined our picket line for two hours. No press, no photos, just there to support us.”

John Tandy, CWU member and Labour PPC for Shrewsbury & Atcham at the last general election, said:

“I’m backing John, and I’m going to encourage CWU supported MPs to as well”

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John McDonnell was speaking alongside CWU General Secretary Billy Hayes, at a fringe meeting sponsored by 8 CWU branches ‘After the Election, Which Way for Labour?’ at the Hermitage Hotel in Bournemouth.

John McDonnell has already been supported by the affiliated BFAWU trade union and the non-affiliated RMT union.