Corbyn supporters hail ‘modern messiah’
HAILING him as “a messiah of modern day politics”, young activists and old communists gave a rapturous welcome to Jeremy Corbyn’s re-election as Britain’s Labour leader.
“Jeremy! Jeremy! Jeremy!” the crowd chanted as the 67-year-old’s face appeared, live-streamed on a big screen from the main opposition party’s annual conference a few streets away in Liverpool, northwest England on September 24.
“I am very, very happy,” said Richard Schofield, a 28-year-old activist wearing a customised T-shirt adorned with a picture of a Pokemon creature with Mr Corbyn’s head on it.
“Jeremy Corbyn is a very decent man, an honourable politician. He is such a breath of fresh air. He is a regular guy, recognises the problems so many people face in this country.”
About 750 “Corbynistas” gathered in an arts centre to watch the leadership announcement, a foregone conclusion given the leftist stalwart’s popularity with party members, but one his dedicated supporters were determined to celebrate.
The atmosphere was calm and friendly, but the energy lifted as rumours came through of the defeat of Owen Smith, the challenger put forward by moderate Labour MPs who want Mr Corbyn gone.
Mr Corbyn’s speech, with its message of peace and universal education, drew enthusiastic applause.
“He is a very impressive politician,” said Peter Betts, a 68-year-old former member of the communist party who has a beard not dissimilar to Mr Corbyn’s.
“MPs in London are in a state of shock that the mutineer, the parliamentary rebel is now leading the party. They don’t understand it!” he laughed. –
Jeremy Corbyn has a huge following among young activists.