Len McCluskey is the standout trade unionist of his era. Head of the giant Unite union for more than a decade, he is a unique and powerful figure on the political stage.

In this major autobiography, McCluskey throws back the curtains on life at the top of the Labour movement-with explosive revelations about his dealings with Keir Starmer, the behind-the-scenes battles of the Corbyn era, his secret Brexit negotiations with Theresa May's government, the spectacular bust-up with his former friend Tom Watson, and his tortuous relationship with Ed Miliband.

McCluskey is no run-of-the-mill trade unionist. Fiercely political, unflinchingly left wing, he is a true workers' leader. His politics were formed in Liverpool at a time of dock strikes, the Beatles, and the May 1968 revolution in Paris. An eyewitness to the Hillsborough tragedy, he recounts in harrowing detail searching for his son.

Witty and sharp, McCluskey delivers a powerful intervention, issuing a manifesto for the future of trade unionism and urging the left not to lose sight of class politics.

A central player in a tumultuous period of British political history, McCluskey's account is an essential-and entertaining-record of our times.

Overview

The book contains explosive revelations that come at a time of ongoing fallout and controversy over the Labour leadership. It is sure to have wide organic take-up by media organisations across the Left and political mainstream, and generate huge engagement on social media.

Always Red is a major new political autobiography by Len McCluskey, head of the most powerful UK trade union, Unite. The first big figure of the Corbyn era to pen an insider account of this tumultuous period, the book's publication-launched at the Labour Party Conference-will be a significant political event. With explosive revelations about Keir Starmer amid ongoing controversy over the Labour leadership, extensive news coverage is assured. The book will be serialised, eagerly reviewed, and McCluskey-a regular on the airwaves-will undertake a series of promotional interviews. The book is certain to generate huge engagement on social media among a highly motivated Labour audience.

Serials

- First serial in the Guardian
- Second serial in New Statesman
- Third serial in Tribune

Radio/TV appearances

- Appearance on BBC Radio 4 Start the Week likely
- Feature on BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week under consideration
- Appearance on the Andrew Marr show on eve of Labour Party conference likely
- 1 hour interview with author on Novara Media has been confirmed with Ash Sarkar

Events

- Major launch event with press and television at the Labour Party conference (Kevin Maguire in conversation with Len McCluskey)
- Major event in Liverpool with the city mayor
- Several other events in major cities across the UK

Social media

The social media followings of Jeremy Corbyn (2.4 million followers on Twitter, 1.5 million on Facebook) and Momentum will be mobilized, in addition to that of UNITE, which has 83k followers on Twitter, and Len McCluskey, who has 37k followers. This is in addition to OR's own large Twitter following of highly politically engaged readers. Followers of all pages will be repeatedly apprised of the book

Promotional videos

Two promo trailers developed by Neontetra Films will be released at strategic times - the first to align with pre-orders and the second close to pub date. These will circulate on social media and be uploaded to product pages

Reviews

For reviews, the OR Books publicity team will be collaborating with Unite the Union, which has a database of more than 200 UK press contacts. Based on previous press coverage of Len McCluskey we are confident that the book will be reviewed by the following journalists: Brian Reade (Mirror), Paul Routledge (Mirror and freelance), Donald McIntyre, Steve Richards, Gabriel Pogrund (Sunday Times), Heather Stewart (the Guardian), Grace Blakeley (Tribune), Owen Jones (the Guardian), Ronan Burtenshaw, Stephen Bush, Danny Finkelstein, and Robert Potts.

About the Author

Len McCluskey, general secretary of Unite the Union for more than a decade, is a trade unionist from Liverpool. Elected a shop steward on the Liverpool docks aged 19, he rose through the Transport and General Workers' Union before playing an instrumental role in the creation of Unite. As its leader, he became a national political figure and a powerful influence in the Labour Party. He is a lifelong supporter of Liverpool Football Club and the author of Why You Should Be A Trade Unionist.

Ricky Tomlinson is an actor, comedian, and political activist from Liverpool. Unjustly gaoled for trade union activity in 1973, he switched from building work to acting upon his release. His most iconic role came as Jim Royle in The Royle Family.

Reviews

"Len tells his story as only he can: forthright, confident and witty. What emerges is a hard-hitting assessment of dramatic times, and a message of hope for the future."

- Jeremy Corbyn

"Pulls no punches. An explosive account of life at the top of the Labour Party from Britain's most important trade union leader."
- Kevin Maguire

"Len's life story is an inspiration. He lives and breathes solidarity. He is a true workers' leader."
- Maxine Peake

"Len reminds us what-and who-we're fighting for. He knows his own mind and isn't afraid to speak it."
- Zarah Sultana

"The riveting story of a lifetime spent fighting for workers, with lessons for all of us. Len learned the value of solidarity working on the Liverpool docks and it has never left him."
- Dave Ward

"Fascinating... A good story about the way that trade unionism can drastically change people's lives"
- The Guardian

"An incisive political memoir with lessons for the whole left"
- Morning Star

"[This] account of Corbynism ... is one of the most politically astute to date"
- New Left Review

"Len McCluskey lifts lid on secret chats with Starmer"
- Express

"Len McCluskey says public could see Labour leader as 'someone who can't be trusted'"
- The Independent

"Uncompromising and highly critical"
- Sky News

"Union firebrand Len McCluskey has launched a blistering attack on Sir Keir Starmer... In a bombshell memoir, the union baron will accuse him of an 'anti-democratic crackdown on the Left'"
- Daily Mail

"Len McCluskey's parting shot [against Keir Starmer] comes in a memoir, Always Red, which is set to be published on the day of Starmer's speech at Labour's annual conference"
- The Times

"Len McCluskey, outgoing general secretary of Unite, criticises the Labour leader in his new autobiography"
- BBC News

"Labour could go under if Sir Keir Starmer takes it too far to the Right, says Len McCluskey"
- The Telegraph

"Len McCluskey accuses Keir Starmer of 'breaking deal' over Corbyn's readmission to Labour"
- The Mirror

"The life and legacy of one of the most influential labour leaders"
- Red Pepper

"Full of score-settling"
- The Socialist Party of Great Britain

Book Information
ISBN 9781682192726
Author Len McCluskey
Format Hardback
Page Count 280
Imprint OR Books
Publisher OR Books