CONSTRUCTION workers kept Labour conference a blacklister-free zone this week after a senior manager of a firm embroiled in the scandalous practice fled Manchester rather than face their wrath.

Lend Lease residential chief Richard Cook had been due to speak at a Monday afternoon fringe organised by Labour List on house-building.

But furious Ucatt delegates planned to picket the meeting over allegations the construction firm has blacklisted workers.

Ucatt activist Lachlan Morrison said: “Ucatt organised a protest and were ready to have the issue out with them but we were told they had pulled out at the last minute.

“So that was another victory for Ucatt.”

The union has been at the forefront of the fight for justice since the Information Commissioner seized a 3,000-name blacklist from the shadowy Consulting Association in 2009.

Lend Lead has not signed up to the blacklisting compensation scheme launched since because it strongly denies allegations it took part.

They are currently contesting the claims in the High Court.

Mr Morrison sent a message to blacklisters in a meeting of the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy.

“Let no blacklister think about speaking at Labour conference because we will come and find you,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter how much money you give the Labour Party — you’re not welcome.”

Lend Lease could not be contacted for comment.

lukejames@peoples-press.com