I will probably win a general election next year.. I’m ready to become PM
Jezza reveals his hopes for No 10
JEREMY Corbyn says he expects another general election next year, which he will “probably win”.
In a candid interview, in which he spoke of his musical tastes and style sense, the Labour leader declared: “I’m ready to be Prime Minister tomorrow.”
And the former backbench firebrand, known for his unkempt appearance, admitted that if he did win the top job he was unlikely to smarten himself up.
Mr Corbyn confounded his critics when he thwarted Theresa May’s bid to clinch a majority in June’s snap election.
Labour claimed an extra 30 seats compared with the 2015 performance under previous chief Ed Miliband.
And Mr Corbyn told Grazia magazine he believes 2018 will be the year in which he pockets the keys to No10.
He said “there will probably be another election in the next 12 months” and he feels he “will probably win”.
Asked which of his traits he “most deplores”, he confessed it was his untidiness. The magazine has branded him “an accidental fashion icon”, highlighting his dedication to unpretentious clothes.
Mr Corbyn was famously urged in 2016 by then Prime Minister David Cameron to “put on a proper suit, do up your tie and sing the national anthem”.
The Labour leader was later noticed to be wearing sharper, dark blue suits – but he denied he bowed to pressure to change his much-mocked appearance.
Quizzed on how he rates his style, he said: “I’d rate myself very, very low, OK?
“I’ve got prizes three years running for being the worst-dressed in Parliament. I dress the way I want. People want to dress me differently but I just say no.”
He also rubbished suggestions that his success in June, followed by fans chanting his name to the tune of The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army at Glastonbury, had gone to his head.
Asked if he sings “Ohhhhhh Je-re-my Corrrrrr-byn” in the shower, he shot back: “No, and never will. I’m more likely to sing Born To Be Wild.” He also said he “occasionally” listens to grime music.
On more serious issues, Mr Corbyn said he was horrified by sexual harassment allegations rocking Westminster, describing some cases as “disturbing”.
Asked if he had heard whispers during his 35 years as an MP, he replied: “Not many, no. I’m horrified and appalled by it all. I think sexism is a real challenge in society that needs to be dealt with.”
The full interview is in this week’s Grazia magazine, on sale today.