The Labour Party’s decision to exclude North Tyneside mayor Jamie Driscoll from the north east regional mayoral shortlist has been described as a cynical 'move to prevent support for energy re-nationalisation ' and a major error by Unite, the UK’s leading union.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “What is emerging from Labour is a pattern of behaviour to literally take out any MP or mayor who backs key manifesto demands on the re-nationalisation of energy, action on rampant profiteering and investment in UK steel.

 "If Labour remains intent on only selecting nodding heads then it will continue to make serious policy mistakes, as we saw last week with its lack of detail on the announcement on the North Sea, affecting literally thousands of workers . 

 “These actions by Labour are a major mistake and have serious consequences.”

Notes to editors

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.