This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25759106

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Labour union talks 'break down', says GMB's Paul Kenny Labour union talks 'break down', says GMB's Paul Kenny
(35 minutes later)
Talks on Labour's relationship with the trade unions have "broken down", GMB general secretary Paul Kenny has said.Talks on Labour's relationship with the trade unions have "broken down", GMB general secretary Paul Kenny has said.
But a senior Labour source told the BBC the discussions were continuing.But a senior Labour source told the BBC the discussions were continuing.
Lord Collins - a former Labour official - has been holding talks with union officials for months ahead of a special party conference in March.Lord Collins - a former Labour official - has been holding talks with union officials for months ahead of a special party conference in March.
Conservative MP Priti Patel said: "As we have known all along, these so-called 'reforms' are a sham. Nothing has changed."Conservative MP Priti Patel said: "As we have known all along, these so-called 'reforms' are a sham. Nothing has changed."
Labour leader Ed Miliband wants to reform his party's historic link with the unions, with individual union members given the choice of opting in to join the party, rather than being automatically affiliated.Labour leader Ed Miliband wants to reform his party's historic link with the unions, with individual union members given the choice of opting in to join the party, rather than being automatically affiliated.
Union officials thought an outline of a deal had been reached before Christmas, including the abolition of the electoral college used to elect Labour's leader.Union officials thought an outline of a deal had been reached before Christmas, including the abolition of the electoral college used to elect Labour's leader.
Funding cut 'Radical'
Labour MPs make up a third of the college, with the other two-thirds split between unions and constituency parties.Labour MPs make up a third of the college, with the other two-thirds split between unions and constituency parties.
It is understood the unions were not willing to change voting arrangements for Labour conferences, or for the party's national executive.It is understood the unions were not willing to change voting arrangements for Labour conferences, or for the party's national executive.
Instead, they have proposed a formula which would see new union members, and eventually existing members, specify that they wanted to be affiliated to Labour.Instead, they have proposed a formula which would see new union members, and eventually existing members, specify that they wanted to be affiliated to Labour.
It was thought that this would be "radical" enough to satisfy Mr Miliband, who has promised major reforms.
Asked about the likelihood of a deal, Paul Kenny said: "There were discussions taking place, which have broken down."Asked about the likelihood of a deal, Paul Kenny said: "There were discussions taking place, which have broken down."
A Labour Party source denied the talks had run into the sand. The BBC's Iain Watson said the unions were on the verge of agreeing that the electoral college should be abolished - not for conference votes, just for the leadership election - so all members, including the 'opted-in', union-affiliated members, would get one vote each.
"We want to see radical change in the way the party is structured. Nothing has been decided as Lord Collins has not even published his report," he said. Funding cut
But Labour MPs - who get a third of the votes currently in the electoral college - did not want their influence watered down and the unions would not abolish their part of the electoral college unless MPs abolish theirs too - hence the impasse.
Labour sources deny the talks have broken down but stress that "all stakeholders" need to be on board, including the unions.
They also say the leadership election is not the only stumbling block - there are also technical issues, such as concern that accessing union membership lists could breach data protection laws.
A Labour Party source said: "We want to see radical change in the way the party is structured. Nothing has been decided as Lord Collins has not even published his report."
The GMB has already decided to drastically cut its funding of Labour in protest at the reforms, and other unions could follow suit if there is no agreement.The GMB has already decided to drastically cut its funding of Labour in protest at the reforms, and other unions could follow suit if there is no agreement.
Lord Collins is due to report to a meeting of Labour's executive on 4 February, ahead of the special conference in London.Lord Collins is due to report to a meeting of Labour's executive on 4 February, ahead of the special conference in London.