CHUKA Umunna promised trade unionists yesterday that a Labour government would be pro-worker, as well as “unashamedly pro-business.”

The shadow business secretary won a standing ovation at Usdaw conference as he implored union members to help swing the knife-edge election for Labour.

One delegate even wolf-whistled Mr Ummuna as he walked on stage.

But Labour’s slickest politician was taken to task by another, who told him it was “disgraceful” that he did not take questions.

The woman, who did not want to be named but said she worked at Next, collared Mr Umunna outside Blackpool’s Winter Gardens following his speech.

“We’re on the shop floor telling people to vote Labour and for you not to take questions is disgraceful,” she said.

“It’s disgraceful, but I hope to God you win.”

The encounter took place after Mr Umunna vowed a Labour government would “tackle the problems of everyday life” that posh Prime Minister David Cameron and the Tories “don’t understand.”

Raising the minimum wage, scrapping tribunal fees and a clampdown on zero-hours contacts were among pledges he outlined.

There was a stony silence, though, when Mr Umunna, perceived to be on the right of his party, said it would be “wrong” to completely ban zero-hours contacts.

Better received was his criticism of the Tories for “denigrating” trade unions.

“You can’t be pro-business if you are continually beating up on the terms and conditions of working people and on the organisations that represent them,” he said.

Usdaw general secretary John Hannett responded by saying it was refreshing to see a politician “talking about unions as a force for good and not the enemy within.”

Union members have got behind Labour’s election campaign by canvassing across Blackpool after conference every evening.

Mr Hannett told members he would judge Mr Umunna and Labour leaders by their actions if they win.

“Whilst we are good friends of the Labour Party, we will hold them to account in government,” he vowed.

“That’s what we’ll judge them on, not speeches at conferences.”Mr Umunna had sought to cap expectations, saying Labour would deliver “big change” not “big spending.”