I‑ Labour Party
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The Labour Party and the Unions
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Unions used to dominate party mechanisms
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Unions dominated Party finances
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1990s Party changed to "one member one
vote"
The Labour Party and the Unions‑
Labour Party was until recently more closely integrated to unions then any other party in Europe
Still union leaders don't seek direct control
Unions used to dominate party mechanisms
Used to be about 90% of Party membership affiliated through unions with unions dominating party conferences and National Executive
Unions dominated Party finances‑ provide 90%
1996 for first time unions provided less than 50% party finances
1990s Party changed to "one member one vote"
Dramatically decreased influence of major unions
Unions have lost special role in choosing parliamentary candidates but many labour MPs sponsored by specific unions