One of Labour's biggest union backers is to slash the money it gives the party by more than £500,000 in a furious row over the Birmingham bin strike. Unite said its funding will be reduced by 40%, or £580,000, over Labour's handling of the long-running walkouts.

The union warned that the actions of Sir Keir Starmer's party will "not continue to be tolerated". Unite chief Sharon Graham said: "Unite members are coming to the end of the line as far as Labour is concerned.

"Workers are scratching their heads asking whose side are Labour on, who do they really represent, because it certainly isn't workers. Workers and communities are paying the price.

"Labour needs to wake up and smell the coffee.

"The cut in affiliation fee shows the anger of Unite members. Stop taking workers for granted, spine up, do your job and be real Labour."

It comes on the one-year anniversary of the all-out strike, which is in protest at plans to reform the city's refuse collection service.

The union described the move as "unprecedented", adding that it "shows the anger of Unite members".

A statement said: "Labour's incompetent behaviour in Birmingham has come on the back of a failed economic strategy, that has left our industrial base fighting for its life.

"Oil and gas workers facing decimation, buy British defence promises broken, the public sector undervalued and the elderly and disabled under attack.

"Prior to the rules conference next year, Unite has made the decision to substantially cut its affiliation and will now formally consult with its members to see whether they want to remain in the Labour Party."

The rules conference decides on the union's affiliation.

The strikes have led to rubbish piling up in the streets, as well as rodent infestations and fly-tipping.

Unite, which has repeatedly threatened to cut ties with Labour, has been a fierce critic of Sir Keir over issues including axing winter fuel payments and net zero.