SHADOW chancellor Rachel Reeves was accused of being part of a Labour front bench which has “abandoned trade unionists” today.

The Leeds West MP claimed Labour is still the “party of working people” after being asked why her colleagues were not giving “unwavering support” to every striking worker. 

The confrontation came when GMB member Tam Carr-Pollock referenced rail union RMT’s impending national strike action during a question-and-answer session at the general union’s annual conference in Harrogate. 

The Scottish delegate said: “Taking industrial action, especially strike action, is a right that trade unionists fought hard to win and are fighting hard to keep.

“The silence from the Labour leadership over the rail strikes is utterly appalling. Any Labour MP, especially the leader, should show unwavering support to striking workers.”

To thunderous applause in the North Yorkshire town’s convention centre, he asked: “Why has Keir Starmer and the Labour front bench abandoned trade unionists?”

According to the former shadow Brexit minister’s spokesperson, Sir Keir backs walkouts in principle but believes these “disruptive” strikes should not go ahead.

Responding to Mr Pollock, Ms Reeves said: “I’m incredibly proud of the relationship between the Labour Party and trade unions.

“I think that link is really important — it keeps Labour grounded. If that link were ever to end, the Labour Party would not be able to call itself the Labour Party because that’s what we are.

“We are the party of work and the party of working people.”

The former shadow cabinet minister also conceded that her colleagues have “a lot to learn” from Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford’s unashamedly socialist administration. 

In response to a question from member Georgia Chedzey, Ms Reeves praised the “way in which trade unions are brought into decision-making processes” in Wales.