A TRADE union which declined to nominate a Labour leadership candidate has faced criticism from members for failing to swing behind leftwinger Jeremy Corbyn.

General union GMB had been expected to nominate shadow health secretary Andy Burnham before Mr Corbyn entered the race.

Last week the union issued a statement to members, saying it would not recommend a candidate due to there being “no clear consensus” among members.

The GMB members who are entitled to participate in the ballot either as a Labour Party member, trade union affiliate supporter or as a registered supporter will have had ample opportunity to hear the four candidates’ views on their own key issues and determine how to cast their own vote,” the statement said.

The union said it had taken the decision “following consultations” with members, but a source told the Star that discussions had largely been held with regional officials and not with lay members.

Mr Corbyn received the warmest response from delegates in the first trade union hustings at the GMB’s annual congress in Dublin.

The union, which nominated Ed Miliband in the 2010 Labour leadership election, is unusual in not playing host to a number of politically aligned factions.

But in an online discussion, one branch secretary in the union’s southern region suggested the failure to nominate Mr Corbyn could spark a change to this climate.

“It may be time that we actually discussed the organisation of a GMB Broad Left,” they wrote.

Another activist said: “Does anyone believe the GMB members were the only ones not to support Corbyn? Do me a favour.”