Labour leadership: Corbyn confounds critics in resounding win

JEREMY CORBYN swept to victory as he was re-elected Labour leader on Saturday, Sepember 24.

He defeated challenger Owen Smith comprehensively by winning 61.8 per cent of the vote, extending his margin of victory from 2015.

On the eve of the Labour Party conference, Corbyn picked up 313,209 votes to Smith’s 193,229.

Speaking after the result was announced in Liverpool, Corbyn pledged to “wipe the slate clean,” thanking Smith and urging the “Labour family” to reunite following a fractious summer campaign.

“We have much more in common than that which divides us. Let’s wipe that slate clean from today and get on with the work we’ve got to do as a party together,” he said.

The win strengthens his hold on a party which has attracted thousands of new members in recent months, as he blitzed all categories; members, registered supporters and trades union affiliates.

Smith congratulated Corbyn and said: “I entered this race because I didn’t think Jeremy was providing the leadership we needed, and because I felt we must renew our party to win back the voters’ trust and respect. However, I fully accept and respect the result and I will reflect carefully on it and on what role I might play in future to help Labour win again for the British people.”

This may hint that Smith is willing to consider a front bench role going forwards, something he has previously said he would not do.

Corbyn now faces a major decision over whether to use his mandate to stamp his authority on the party or adopt a more conciliatory position regarding the Labour establishment, who he now defeated twice.

The issue may become clearer following this afternoon’s meeting of Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee, in which the rules for selecting a future Shadow Cabinet will be discussed.