Labour leadership contest: Corbyn should have kept fighting for remain, says Clive Lewis – live news
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Jeremy Corbyn is still leader of the Labour party. But in his Today interview this morning Clive Lewis was speaking about him in the past tense (“he was an authentic politician” – see 9.11am) and, in an interview on Sky News this morning, Frances O’Grady, the general secretary of the TUC, also spoke as if Corbyn had already gone. She said it was important for Labour to learn some “hard lessons” from its defeat, and to listen to the views of voters who did not support the party. She said:
I think it’s important that the Labour party listens to the voters who switched their support to the Tories, especially in the north and the Midlands, in working class communities.
There are big issues, I think, to learn about leadership, where it is not enough to be popular in the party, you’ve got to be popular in the country too …
I think Jeremy Corbyn was a decent man. And he was very popular in the party. But, as I say, that isn’t enough. I think people are looking for a leader and a programme that’s credible, competent and going to fight for their interests. Labour wasn’t able to achieve that this time. If it focuses, sorts itself out, pulls together like a broad church, not just a collection of factional tribes, then it can start looking to win back voters’ trust.
I want to see a leader who can communicate, who can come up with credible policies, but also priorities that really will improve the lives of working people … It’s got to be somebody who can win back trust, communicate well and show true leadership and grit in holding this government to account.
In her Guardian article Rebecca Long-Bailey says she will be supporting Angela Rayner for deputy Labour leader. Rayner, the shadow education secretary, has been tipped as a Labour leadership candidate herself but, as the Guardian reported two weeks ago, after the election her allies said she was focusing on the deputy leadership vacancy, leading to speculation that she and Long-Bailey would run on a joint ticket.
But last night’s Sky’s Sam Coates said that Long-Bailey’s comment was premature, because Rayner is not yet ready to announce that she is running for the deputy leadership.
NEW: Flatmate Fury?
Tonight Rebecca Long Bailey announced she’s backing flatmate Angela Rayner as deputy
– Rayner hasn’t announced candidacy
– Rayner isn’t endorsing RLB this side of the new year – perhaps never. She will make announcements after Wed
Aren’t they talking?
I understand Angela Rayner is going to have more discussions with colleagues this week and make an announcement either way (about endorsing RLB back) soon in the new year.
(Whispers) Could Angela Rayner still be considering a tilt at the top job #flatmatefrenemies