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CWU backs Jeremy Corbyn to oust Blairites CWU backs Jeremy Corbyn to oust Blairites
(about 2 hours later)
The Communication Workers Union has backed left-wing MP Jeremy Corbyn in Labour's leadership contest, saying the "grip of the Blairites" on the party must be "loosened once and for all".The Communication Workers Union has backed left-wing MP Jeremy Corbyn in Labour's leadership contest, saying the "grip of the Blairites" on the party must be "loosened once and for all".
The union, which has just under 200,000 members, put Andy Burnham as its second choice. The union's general secretary Dave Ward said Mr Corbyn was the "antidote" to the "virus within the Labour Party".
Its endorsement for the Islington North MP follows that of the UK's two largest unions, Unite and Unison. It made Andy Burnham its second choice.
The MP has gone from being an outsider to a front runner in the contest. The Transport Salaried Staffs Association also nominated Mr Corbyn, who is already backed by the UK's two largest unions, Unite and Unison.
"There is a virus within the Labour Party and Jeremy Corbyn is the antidote," said CWU general secretary Dave Ward. BBC assistant political editor Norman Smith said the latest union endorsements meant "the momentum is just going further and further behind Jeremy Corbyn".
"We reject the notion that Labour needs to move to the centre ground of British politics. He said Mr Ward's language was perhaps even more significant, adding: "If that is what the future holds for Labour, you sense that it could be heading remorselessly towards another bout of civil war and blood-letting."
The CWU has just under 200,000 members.
Mr Ward said: "We reject the notion that Labour needs to move to the centre ground of British politics.
"The centre ground has moved significantly to the right in recent years.""The centre ground has moved significantly to the right in recent years."
The union is recommending Angela Eagle for deputy leader, with Caroline Flint as second preference.The union is recommending Angela Eagle for deputy leader, with Caroline Flint as second preference.
BBC assistant political editor Norman Smith said the backing of another big union for Mr Corbyn would "fuel fears of a major split in the party if he becomes leader". Mr Corbyn, the MP for Islington North, has gone from being an outsider to a front runner in the contest to replace Ed Miliband, triggering warnings from senior party figures about a shift to the left.
He only made it onto the ballot paper at the last minute with the help of "borrowed" nominations from some MPs who did not plan to vote for him.
TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: "Jeremy is clearly articulating why we must end the austerity quagmire and that Labour's economic policies must move on from failed neoliberalism."
Mr Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall complete the leadership lineup. The new leader will be announced at a special conference on 12 September.