MPs being urged to keep Corbyn

A LEADING Cardiff trade unionist has urged Labour MPs to respect Jeremy Corbyn’s mandate to lead the party.

Mr Corbyn’s leadership was plunged into crisis last week when he lost a vote of no confidence by 172 votes to 40.

Ken Daniels, a GMB branch secretary at Cardiff council, said he was “devastated” that the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) is in turmoil just when it should be attacking the Conservative UK Government.

He said: “Really, what I don’t understand is why the PLP at this moment in time, with the Tories in absolute disarray, decided then to take him on because they don’t like him. That is not democracy.

“If you don’t have democracy there’s only one thing left and that’s a coup.”

Mr Daniels warned Labour MPs against overriding the decision of voters.

“The PLP do not tell me what to do as an ordinary party member,” he said. “That’s the sole issue here.” He said: “A leader is a leader. You support him. “We voted for him. That’s it.” His had a clear message for Mr Corbyn: “Stick in there, because why shouldn’t he?”

He conceded that the Labour leader is not an “orator” but he argued his message could strike a chord with voters at the next election.

Describing the conversations he would have on the doorsteps, he said: “Do you want a better NHS? They are going to say yes.

“Do you want a better education? They are going to say yes.

“Do you want to be looked after with social services? They are going to say yes.

“Well, I’m going to have to tell them then, you’re a left-winger according to the press and everything else.”

Admitting there is a chance that this stand-off could lead to a split in the party, he said: “I think there is but if it splits into a party that’s gone back to socialism and wants to look after the elderly, the NHS and what have you, well, it’s cleansing time, isn’t it, if it needs to be. But I’m hoping the PLP or the people who decided to do this now realise you can’t bully people.”