LABOUR'S party conference looks set to go ahead next month after a row over security was resolved.
A question mark had been hanging over the annual gathering after G4S said it was now too late for it to step in and organise protection arrangements for next month's conference in Liverpool.
But Labour's general secretary Iain McNicol said OCS Group will now carry out the task of providing security at the conference venue.
"I am happy to announce we have agreed that OCS Group, the existing provider of security services at ACC Liverpool, will deliver security for the Labour Party conference," he said.
"We look forward to working together on what will be an excellent event."
Labour's ruling National Executive Committee had initially ruled out G4S for the role, but the GMB union then objected to security arrangements being handled by Showsec, the only firm to bid for the contract.
In an effort to avoid the prospect of a conference which could have been picketed by GMB, Labour approached G4S only to be told by the firm it could not step in and provide security.
The announcement of the new security provider came after Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had earlier insisted that the issues would be resolved and the conference would go ahead.
Asked if he accepted the situation looked "messy", Mr Corbyn said: "Many things are complicated in life. We'll sort this out. Don't worry about it, conference will take place."
The result of Mr Corbyn's leadership battle with Owen Smith will be announced in Liverpool on the eve of the formal start of the conference.
Maria Ludkin, the GMB's legal director, said: "We are delighted that the Labour Party has found a sensible solution to the issues around security for next month's conference.
"It was quite clear that we could never have worked with a firm like Showsec that refuses to recognise trade unions.
"It is a welcome step forward to now have a provider in place that GMB already has recognition agreements with around the country.
"We now look forward to meeting with OCS Group in Liverpool to ensure all the appropriate recognition agreements are in place."
