Now critics line up to PRAISE their leader’s campaign
BLAIRITE critics of Jeremy Corbyn had to eat their words after his spectacular election result.
The Labour leader has faced almost constant sniping from moderates since taking charge in 2015. But the shock turnaround in the party’s electoral fortunes earned him praise yesterday from some of his most persistent detractors.
Chuka Umunna said Labour’s campaign had made him change his mind about his leader.
The former shadow business secretary, who was re-elected in Streatham, south London, said he would return to the shadow cabinet if asked.
‘Jeremy has fought this campaign with enthusiasm, energy, verve,’ he said. ‘He has done a really, really good job getting across a hopeful, optimistic vision and set of policies.’
Owen Smith, the moderate who unsuccessfully stood against Mr Corbyn last summer, also performed an about-turn. ‘I was clearly wrong in feeling that Jeremy was unable to do this well,’ he said. ‘I don’t know what Jeremy’s got but if we could bottle it we’d all be doing very well.’
Lord Mandelson, an arch supporter of Tony Blair, admitted: ‘I was wrong. An earthquake happened in British politics. I acknowledge he has been able to inspire a lot of voters.
‘He’s not going anywhere. He’s remaining as leader of the Labour party for as long as he wants – that’s what he has achieved. ‘
Hilary Benn, the Leeds MP sacked as shadow foreign secretary amid claims he was encouraging colleagues to resign as part of plot to replace Mr Corbyn as leader, said: ‘A lot of young people have been enthused by Jeremy’s campaign.’