PCS sets up political fund

Members of the 300,000-strong Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) have voted by four to one to create a political fund.

The union says the fund will allow it to step up its campaigning, but there will be no party political affiliation.

General secretary Mark Sewotka said the vote "gives us the opportunity to use every avenue possible, including during local and general election periods, to protect jobs and services."

The union also said the fund would allow it to fight far-right parties more effectively.

The vote

Number voting Yes 66,604 (79.3%)

Number voting No 17,407 (20.7%)

Turnout 27.6%