United Labour is only way forward
As an initial supporter of Jeremy Corbyn I must now request that he resigns as Labour leader. The Copeland by-election has made it clear that Labour cannot return to Government while Corbyn remains.
Even with Labour attacking this Government in every campaign – on the Tories’ disgraceful under-funding of the NHS and other issues that affect ordinary people – there is no real belief now that Corbyn can win.
The longer he hangs on, the more damage Tories will inflict on us.
In the name of hope, and to restore some equality and fairness to our society, Jeremy Corbyn must go now. Terry Thomas, London
# The by-elections were hardly a disaster for the Labour Party. They saw off the threat from UKIP in Stoke and the Tories were pushed into a dismal third place. Copeland was a rogue result because the nuclear power workers voted selfishly for their own interests. Even so, the Tories only achieved a small majority in what was effectively a marginal seat. Labour will win Copeland back at the general election after Theresa May devastates their local hospital services. John Bainbridge, Penrith, Cumbria
# I am not terribly surprised that Copeland went Tory. Many who deemed themselves to be working-class voters have become entrenched in the politics of the Sellafield nuclear power plant. Those who are fortunate enough to work there have high salaries and are able to afford mortgages and private health care.
But I feel sorry for the genuine working-class Labour voters in Copeland who’ve been unable to get onboard the Sellafield bandwagon.
Their health service is under threat and my best wishes go out to you, because although you may have put your faith in the Tory Party, they are only friends to wealth and privilege. Derek C Ray, North London
# UKIP and Labour are both a joke. We need a new centralist party in Britain that takes the best elements of the left and right melded together – a new party run by sensible people who listen. And no, that’s not the Liberal Democrats. Garry Chant, London
# The Stoke by-election was a fantastic result for Labour. And if the Tories are so far ahead in the polls, why were they a poor third there? UKIP threw everything at this campaign but they are finished.
It’s time for Labour to unite and act like an alternative centre-left Government to take on the Tories. James Upton, Stourbridge, West Midlands
# Since the election of Jeremy Corbyn and the referendum result, Labour is faced with a brick wall to break through to get into power. But they need to face facts. The hammer needed to do this will not be found amongst Corbyn and his cohorts. How far are they prepared to let our party disintegrate? Noel Beresford, Bolsover, Derbyshire
# I am not surprised that Labour lost. Until they either unite together or find another leader they’re finished. Keeping Jeremy Corbyn is some sort of conspiracy to finish off the Labour party. Janet Davies, Falmouth, Cornwall