Latest news with #Labour-backed
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Equalities watchdog writes to GMB union over sexual harassment claims
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has formally written to the GMB union asking for information on how it's complying with the Equality Act following allegations of sexual harassment, victimisation and sex discrimination, Sky News understands. Former staffers and members of the union had launched an official complaint to the equalities watchdog earlier this year over claims of institutional sexism and bullying, but this is the first time it has deemed them serious enough to start inquiries. Reform chair resigns - politics latest It's the first step in a possible investigation by the equalities watchdog into activity at the union over systemic sexism, and GMB has just under a month to respond. GMB has said it categorically denies claims of a culture of bullying or sexism within the union. "GMB has been contacted by the EHRC with a request for information," said a statement. "This is a procedural matter and not an investigation. "We look forward to responding properly and professionally to their request." Read more: 'Institutionally sexist' In the original complaint, which Sky News has seen, a number of women allege there is a "pattern of victimisation and harassment against women who speak out" about wrongdoing inside the Labour-backed union. They argue it could be a breach of GMB's duties under the Equality Act. GMB is one of the biggest unions in the UK, but has been struggling with its reputation for years. Four years ago, a damning report written by Karon Monaghan KC branded the union "institutionally sexist" and a number of women who complained to the EHRC insist the union hasn't changed. GMB represents about 630,000 workers in the UK and is one of the Labour Party's major funders. Sir Keir Starmer gave the keynote speech at the GMB conference a year before the last general election and numerous cabinet ministers, including the prime minister, are members. This weekend, the union, which prides itself on fighting for people in their own workplaces, will once again meet for its annual conference in Brighton - but this time with looming questions over how fairly it treats its own.
NZ Herald
17-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Labour-endorsed Andrew Little formally launches campaign for Wellington mayoralty
Current councillor Diane Calvert, who has previously run for the mayoralty, told NZME she was 'shocked and frankly appalled' to see a last-minute recommendation from council officials to close Khandallah Pool. The buildings, which have been proposed for demolition or cuts, were described as 'places that bring people together' by Little in his speech. Investment in community facilities makes up a main portion of his proposal to voters. The first projects proposed for action would be an upgrade to Kilbirnie community facilities and ensuring the Tawa library becomes a 'modern community hub'. Little has labelled spending on the facilities a 'drop in the ocean', saying the council is dealing with a nearly $5 billion capital budget over the next decade. Speaking to a room of Labour faithful, journalists and members of the public, Little outlined his passion for 'housing, climate change and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.' Little said he had spent his time listening since his decision to run for Wellington City Council's top job, adding it was 'disheartening' that many locals had gone to the council for support and have had 'no real engagement'. Putting every major council decision to a community impact statement would show who was consulted, their comments and how it impacted the outcome. The ex-Labour MP suggested there had been 'rushed decisions' and people had been shut out. 'I'll open the doors,' the mayoral hopeful told supporters. 'Under my leadership, the days of excluding the public from council meetings will be over.' He is proposing to put the axe through the 'misuse' of commercial confidentiality, claiming it often shows the council does not want to be transparent about its spending. If he is elected, a public accountability report would be delivered each year. Little's campaign launch was attended by current Labour-backed councillors, along with Labour MPs Ayesha Verrall, Greg O'Connor, Ginny Andersen and Barbara Edmonds. Former Mayor Justin Lester was in attendance, alongside ex-Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer. Verrall, Labour's Wellington issues spokeswoman, addressed the crowd, saying she was 'very proud to call Andrew Little a friend'. Before the event, current Labour councillor Ben McNulty promised Little would have policy announcements at the campaign launch to stop the city council's 'shenanigans'. In a post to social media site X, he said people outside what he deemed a 'hellsite' loathed the current council, adding 'elected members have nurtured this culture'. Little secured endorsement from the local Labour branch last month, vowing to run a 'people-powered' campaign. Several other candidates have thrown their hat in the ring to be the leader of the next iteration of Wellington City Council, with the list including Graham Bloxham, Karl Tiefenbacher, Kelvin Hastie, Ray Chung and Rob Goulden. Incumbent Tory Whanau is stepping aside and is instead making a bid for the council's Māori ward, endorsed by the Greens.
Sky News
29-03-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Reform UK promised 'biggest rally in modern political history' - but it didn't come close
They were calling it the "biggest rally in modern political history" and while there has been momentum brewing within Reform UK, this event didn't even come close to meeting those expectations. It was their local election launch in Birmingham where the party announced they can field candidates in every possible seat in the elections in May. Up from the meagre 12% of available seats they managed last time. And that includes mayoral candidates with a new addition on Friday night, Aaron Banks for the West of England seat. A familiar face for UKIPpers and a major help behind the scenes for Reform UK, drumming up thousands of pounds worth of donations for the party. In one of the biggest arenas in Birmingham, the production value was high. Thousands cheered from the stands at the 15,000 capacity venue, though a lot of empty seats were noticeable. Speaking to loyal supporters who had waited hours for their party leader to speak, many raised their concerns with how the expulsion of one of Reform's former MPs was handled. Recent division in the party started when Rupert Lowe was reported to the police by Reform UK over alleged threats of physical violence towards the party chairman, Zia Yusuf, something Lowe called untrue and false. The party also commissioned an independent report which found "credible evidence" of separate allegations of bullying, which Lowe also disputes. Among the chants of support for the party during the rally, there were also shouts of "Rupert" in the crowd - quickly quietened by security. Poll popularity rivals government While the energy was more subdued than previous events, their popularity in the polls still rivals the government. In retaliation we saw a dozen or so Labour-backed billboards around the venue attacking the party. The city's Birmingham Mail newspaper front cover was also co-opted by Labour warning against Farage, and Wes Streeting namechecked the party on Friday, accusing them of wanting to privatise the NHS. With not just the locals but a by-election in just one month's time, it's clear who Labour see as the direct threat this time around. Reform doesn't need to announce any policy at these rallies. But it hinted at a government efficiency strategy, borrowing language from across the pond, Farage stating he will create a version of Elon Musk 's DOGE - department of government efficiency. It's not an unsympathetic crowd, there were a few red hats and a blue version stating "make Britain great again". Their most effective messaging though is that they're simply not one of the main two parties and that seems to be cutting through above and beyond anything else. List of candidates currently known to be running for West of England Mayor Arron Banks - Reform UK Helen Godwin - Labour Oli Henman - Liberal Democrats Mary Page - Green Party Ian Scott - Independent Steve Smith - Conservatives The official list will be published 2 April 2025
