John McDonnell launches leadership bid

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

John McDonnell launched his leadership bid today in a speech to the Public and Commercial Services Union. McDonnell said Labour needs a wide contest, and that it must not be merely a battle between “the sons of Blair and the sons of Brown.”

The RMT already supports McDonnell:

“John McDonnell leads the RMT group in parliament and no MP has done more to fight against attacks on jobs, public services and workers rights. John is a tireless worker on behalf of trade unionists and the communities that will be there in the front line of the ConDem attack and he is the perfect alternative to the assorted candidates from Continuity New Labour.

“John McDonnell has a reservoir of support that extends way beyond the ranks of the Labour party membership. It would be an absolute travesty if he was kept out of the race for the leadership and would send out a signal that the Labour party machine has learned absolutely nothing.

“On the big issues; defending public services, opposing privatisation, repealing the anti-trade union laws, bringing our troops home and supporting workers rights, John stands shoulder to shoulder with RMT and the trade union and socialist movement. He deserves our full support.”

McDonnell received 6.7% of LabourList’s leadership survey last week.