The UK's most powerful union leader has expressed anger at the state of Labour and Keir Starmer's government, warning that significant change is needed to prevent Reform UK from winning power. In his first intervention amid the battle over Labour's leadership, TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said there was an 'overwhelming sense of frustration' with Starmer, as highlighted by a recent statement from Labour-affiliated trade unions calling for the prime minister to step down.
Nowak's criticism of Labour
Nowak acknowledged the unions' clear message that Starmer cannot lead Labour into the next election. 'Whoever is in No 10, they've got to show working-class people that they are on their side,' he said. He pointed to the frustration 22 months after Labour's landslide victory, which was won on a manifesto promising change. 'For a lot of people there hasn't been any real change. They certainly haven't felt it in their pockets. I get that sense of frustration, 100%.'
Election results and public sentiment
Nowak described the 7 May election results as devastating for Labour, indicating the country is on course for a Reform government unless radical change occurs. However, he stressed there is still time for recovery before the next general election and urged against fatalism. TUC polling after the elections found fewer than one in five people believe they are becoming better off, while 46% think their finances are worsening. The cost of living was the top issue for 65% of people, nearly double those citing immigration.
Nowak's anger at missed opportunities
Nowak, whose union body had strongly supported the Starmer government, said the polls made him angry. 'Some of the good stuff the government has done, the government isn't shouting louder about it, isn't getting credit for it,' he said. 'It makes me angry when you have self-inflicted mistakes like the Mandelson scandal and winter fuel payments. And it makes me angry that we are having to have this debate at a time when people are crying out for politicians to actually pony up and deliver real change.'
Call for robust action
Nowak called on the government to be more robust in defending the new Employment Rights Act, and to take further action on wealth taxes and cleaning up politics, such as new restrictions on donations. 'Show whose side you're on and be vocal about whose side you're on. Because at the moment, far too many people think that Nigel Farage is on their side.'
Support for Andy Burnham
Nowak expressed keenness to see Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham return to parliament by winning the Makerfield byelection, though he warned any new prime minister would face the same challenges. 'Andy is clearly a talented politician and one that has managed in Manchester to prove that he can deliver but he can tap into issues that matter to working-class people. There's no guarantee he's going to win that byelection, but it would send a very clear message.'
Economic agenda and fiscal rules
Nowak called for a debate on whether Labour's economic agenda is too constrained by fiscal rules and the Office for Budget Responsibility, which he described as 'a tool of Tory austerity'. He argued any leader should focus on outcomes rather than rigidly sticking to rules set in a different time. 'Nobody knew at the start of the year where we were going to be in terms of that illegal war on Iran.'
Public control of services
Nowak supported greater public control of services, saying it was 'absolutely the right thing' and about being prepared to pick a fight with vested interests. 'It is bonkers that we ever got to a stage where our water industry was privatised. I think we're the only country in the developed world that privatised water.'
EU relationship
The TUC has driven Labour to negotiate a deeper relationship with the EU, including considering a customs union, but Nowak ruled out rejoining. 'I don't think that's where the British public is at, at the moment, or that's where our members are at. I don't think it's a useful debate to have because it would just be used by the right to cause even more division. And what we're really focused on is policies that unite people across the left and right.'
Optimism for the future
Nowak urged Labour not to doubt it can win the next election. 'There's a hell of a lot to play for – most importantly, if you're interested in improving the lives of working people. I actually think that the vast majority of people in this country are decent and they're fair-minded and they are better than Nigel Farage.'
