‘Toxic’ Corbyn conspicuous by his absence on Labour leaflets
LABOUR candidates are omitting Jeremy Corbyn from their campaign literature amid claims that he is “toxic” on the doorstep.
At least two members of Labour’s front bench have published election leaflets that make no mention of the party leader.
Mr Corbyn has refused to say whether Labour will campaign for Remain or Leave if it wins power, stating only that the party will implement the result of a second referendum.
However, several MPS representing London seats have pledged in leaflets to campaign for Remain, while others have endorsements from Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London.
They include Marsha de Cordova, the shadow minister and MP for Battersea, whose leaflet is headlined “standing up for Battersea on Brexit” and states that Ms Cordova will “campaign day and night to remain in the EU”.
Separately, the campaign slogan for Dr Rosena Allin-khan, the shadow sports minister and MP for Tooting, states: “Vote Rosena for Remain.”
Dawn Butler, the shadow equalities minister and MP for Brent Central, said her leaflet would include a picture of her “dressed as the European flag”.
Leaflets for candidates in Finchley and Golders Green, Chingford and Woodford Green and Bermondsey fail to mention Mr Corbyn.
A London Labour source said many MPS felt they had no choice but to be
“explicit on Brexit”. A Labour MP added: “[Our] Brexit policy is OK… Corbyn on the other hand is toxic.”
It came as John Mcdonnell, the shadow chancellor, was last night accused of hypocrisy after he called on MPS to follow the advice of the Archbishop of Canterbury and avoid using divisive language.