The leader of the Unite union says Labour is not defending working people and they are turning away from the party "in droves". Sharon Graham said Labour should be "seriously concerned" after the union voted to potentially rethink its relationship with the party, which could result in it formally cutting ties and funding.

Members of the trade union, one of the UK's largest, also "overwhelmingly" voted to "re-examine its relationship" with Labour over the issue.

Unite has voted to suspend Angela Rayner from the union – even though she gave up her membership months ago. Members decided to take the extraordinary step in protest at the deputy prime minister’s stance on the long-running strike by bin collectors in Birmingham.