‘No pressure’ on defiant Corbyn

A RESOLUTE Jeremy Corbyn addressed tens of thousands of supporters at the Durham Miners’ Gala and vowed to return as prime minister.

The embattled Labour leader, who will tomorrow face a challenge to his position from former shadow cabinet minister Angela Eagle, stressed the importance of unity as he was given a warm reception from supporters.

He insisted there was “no pressure” on him – instead highlighting the “brutal” conditions faced by many workers on low wages.

Mr Corbyn’s deputy, Tom Watson, pulled the plug on peace talks with the trade unions aimed at breaking the deadlock between his boss and Labour MPs.

He said he made the decision because “there is no realistic prospect of reaching a compromise”.

It opened the door for Angela Eagle, who resigned as shadow business secretary last week, to launch a leadership challenge.

She thanked Mr Watson, Parliamentary Labour Party chairman John Cryer, chief whip Rosie Winter ton and the union movement for trying “to find a solution to the impasse Labour faces”.

She added: “On Monday I will announce my candidature for leader. I’ll explain my vision for the country and the difference a strong Labour Party can make.”

Mr Corbyn has refused to step down despite a vote of no confidence passed by the party’s MPs in the wake of the EU referendum.