The new leader of the GMB has said he will consider plans to end his union's links to the Labour Party.

Kevin Curran said he will institute a "membership led review" of the GMB's relationship with the party.

"This will begin in summer 2003 and all aspects of our relationship will be up for debate," said Curran.

The union is among the country's largest with over 700,000 members, many of whom pay a political levy to affiliate to Labour.

GMB funds have also been one Labour's biggest single donors to party funds.

The new general secretary said he will stand up to ministers on employment rights and pensions.

Curran will also spearhead opposition to the privatisation of public services.

He also pledged to hold a review to bring forward plans of a "new, modern, form of trade unionism".

The GMB will appoint an independent commission in the next few weeks. It will be tasked with examining the role and structures "necessary for modern trade unions".

"The commission will take evidence from any member, shop steward, member of staff or officer that would like to put their ideas forward," he said.

"[It] will have a wide ranging remit, and I expect it to put forward ideas and proposals to bring about a new, modern, form of trade unionism."