Labour risks handing power to Reform without drastic change, says union leader

Britain's largest union, Unison, is warning the Labour Party that it risks handing power to the Reform UK party without significant changes. Andrea Egan, the new leader of Unison, expressed frustration that Labour has not met the expectations of its members since coming into power. She stated that communities are struggling and that Labour has failed to deliver on its promises.

Egan, a grassroots campaigner for over 30 years, took over as Unison leader in December and has been critical of the union's previous relationship with Labour, describing it as "subservient." In her first interview with a national broadcaster, she was frank with the government, saying, "When Labour came into power there was a sense of relief. But sadly we've been left wanting." She added that her election demonstrated members' desperation to have their voices heard.

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When Labour came into power there was a sense of relief. But sadly we've been left wanting.

"It isn't us that will hand the keys to No10 to Reform - it's them, unless they change course. And drastically," Egan warned. She called for Labour to implement progressive policies, including investment in infrastructure, pay restoration, better services, and insourcing. Egan also rejected an offer from Nigel Farage to affiliate Unison with Reform UK, citing the party's actions over the past year as not being on the side of workers.

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It isn't us that will hand the keys to No10 to Reform - it's them, unless they change course. And drastically.