New union leader warns Blair of 'electoral disaster'

The new leader of the Transport and General Workers' Union has warned Tony Blair to connect with traditional Labour supporters or face "electoral disaster".

Tony Woodley, who was elected to replace Bill Morris as general secretary of Britain's second-largest union, said the New Labour Government had lost contact with the values of its supporters and become "wedded to the rich and powerful".

"If Labour and Tony Blair don't listen to Labour Party activists and trade unions my party could face electoral disaster," said Mr Woodley, who counts himself among the "awkward squad" of union left-wingers who have caused difficulties for the Prime Minister. "The awkward squad are a reminder of what Labour should be doing, of the values which some union leaders and politicians have forgotten," he added.

Mr Woodley spoke of his determination to campaign on issues including changes to employment laws, the minimum wage and protection of British industry, and of his resolve to take his message to the "heart of Government".

But he said he was willing to build a positive relationship with the Government. "I am most certainly not in favour of breaking the link with the party. I will have no truck with what I believe is a right-wing agenda. I want to take labour back into the party."

He added: "This Government has got nothing to fear from the T&G and its new leader, but they shouldn't take our loyalty and support for granted."