Strong showing disarms critics and enhances his reputation

JEREMY Corbyn has a lifetime’s experience of adversity and last night it showed.

He spent 20 minutes answering questions from a studio audience and 20 minutes of Paxman. He survived – unscathed with his reputation enhanced. Painted weak on defence, he disarmed his critics. Two years’ ago Ed Miliband was floored by a question from a small business owner about Labour’s tax plans. Asked a similar question, Mr Corbyn passionately explained why he’d raise taxes.

More comfortable being quizzed about policy than personality, when asked why he was not regarded as a PM in waiting, he summarised the Labour manifesto. He was rarely flustered and believes so strongly what he is doing is right, he is almost blind to how his policies can be seen.

While others might have been embarrassed by questions about being an IRA sympathiser, it barely registered. If an elephant sat on his car, Mr Corbyn would calmly note the indicators still worked.

The Labour leader will be happy with his performance. At the end he had the composure of a man after a hard day digging his allotment who was lounging in a chair admiring his runner beans.