Tony Lloyd has received backing from Britain’s biggest trade union Unite for his campaign to become Labour’s candidate for the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Unite, which has 1.42 million members, says Mr Lloyd, who currently serves as interim Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner in Greater Manchester, has a background would be a great fit to provide leadership for the region.
The 66-year-old served as MP for Stretford and then Manchester Central from 1983 to 2012 before stepping down to become Labour’s candidate for the region’s first Police and Crime Commissioner.
Unite regional secretary, Mick Whitley said: “We believe Tony is the best candidate who has the strength, experience and determination to stand up to Cameron and Osborne against their savage cuts to health and public services in Greater Manchester and that’s why Unite the Union are giving him our full support.
“Tony has a long history fighting for the people of Greater Manchester during his 30 years in Parliament, as Police and Crime Commissioner and as the current Mayor of Greater Manchester.
“He has continually stood up for workers’ rights against inequality, and taken the tough decisions when he thought they were right.”
After hearing the news of Unite’s support, Mr Lloyd said: “I’m delighted to have Unite the Union’s support.
“Our Councillors, trade unions and community organisations are our ambassadors who will have a direct line to me.
“I will continue to follow that for a fair deal and just deal, not for a few but for all. This truly is the Greater Manchester Way.”
The election for the first Mayor of Greater Manchester takes place on May 4 2017.
The new mayor will take control of devolved powers from central Government over areas such as health, social care, transport, the economy and policing.
The post has been created following the signing of a historic deal with Chancellor George Osborne and the Government in November 2014.
