I’m not going to disappear vows Corbyn
DEFIANT Jeremy Corbyn defended Labour’s election campaign yesterday – despite masterminding the party’s worst electoral defeat in 84 years.
The hard-Left socialist also insisted he would not be “disappearing” from politics and claimed he “achieved a great deal” in addressing “injustices in Britain”.
The remarks came as backers of his likely successor demanded a purge of Corbyn aides dubbed “lunatic Lefties”.
Supporters of Sir Keir Starmer want the clearout to take place immediately if he wins the leadership race on April 4.
Mr Corbyn’s latest defence of his dismal time as Labour leader follows his second general election defeat in charge and the party’s worst result at the polls since 1935.
Proud
Labour is also being investigated by the Equality and Human Rights’ Commission to determine if it has been institutionally anti-Semitic under his leadership.
Mr Corbyn, 70, told Sky News: “We had unprecedented attacks against us.
“I’m proud of the economic agenda put forward and I think we achieved a great deal in changing the agenda on that. “I’m proud about that.” Sir Keir, 57, is now clear favourite to beat
Wigan MP Lisa Nandy and pro-Corbyn candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey in the leadership race.
Insiders say he has been careful not to trash Mr Corbyn’s record in order to woo the socialist wing of the party’s 500,000-plus membership.
But one moderate MP said: “That will have to change if and when he wins. He must remove key people associated with the Corbyn era.”
He added it must include replacing general secretary Jennie Formby, party chairman Ian Lavery and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy. Tory backbencher Andrew Bridgen said: “Corbyn has done a very good job at making Labour unelectable.
“It’s no surprise that he can’t see the general election result for what it was – socialists are always in denial.”