Corbyn comes out fighting ahead of crunch by-elections

JEREMY Corbyn has accused Ukip of “trading on prejudice” on a campaign visit to Stoke ahead of this Thursday’s crucial byelection. Paul Nuttall, the Ukip leader, is standing in the Labour seat which was vacated by Tristram Hunt, an opponent of Corbyn’s, who stood down from Parliament to become director of the V&A Museum. Corbyn said of Ukip: “What do they offer to people who need a house? To children in school? To people in hospital? To those needing social care? To those wanting a secure job? To young people wanting an apprenticeship or the opportunity to go to college or university and make the most of their lives?” Another byelection is also taking place in Copeland, Cumbria, caused by the resignation of MP Jamie Reed. The twin by-elections represent Corbyn’s most difficult electoral challenge so far.

The Labour leader also dismissed as “nonsense” that one of his closest aides quit amid concerns over the direction the party has been taking. Simon Fletcher had stood down as Corbyn’s campaigns chief to pursue “other projects and opportunities”.

A “well-placed Labour MP” was reported to have said Fletcher had been disappointed at Corbyn’s failure to achieve his vision of creating a new type of politics. However, Corbyn said Fletcher would continue working with Labour, despite having stepped down from his official role. Corbyn, speaking after addressing Labour’s local government conference at Warwick University yesterday, said: “Simon and I are great friends and will remain great friends. We had a good chat last night.”