Corbynistas can think of no one better to lead

It would probably be possible for MPS to avert a no-deal Brexit – if only it weren’t for two types of people. One: Remainers who would rather have a no-deal Brexit than make Jeremy Corbyn prime minister. Two: Remainers who would rather have a no-deal Brexit than make anyone except Jeremy Corbyn prime minister.

Both groups appear to be strong in number. Especially the second.

Yesterday, Mr Corbyn pledged to do “everything necessary” to prevent a no-deal Brexit. Journalists attempted to put that to the test. If he failed to form a caretaker government, asked Andy Bell of 5 News, would he help another no-deal opponent form one?

“NOOOOOOOO!” bellowed Mr Corbyn’s supporters. “NOOOOOOOO!”

They were apoplectic. It was a scandal. It was an outrage.

Mr Corbyn chuckled indulgently. “Let Andy ask his question,” he said.

At last the uproar died down sufficiently for Mr Bell to finish asking his question. So he did. The response, however, was no more favourable.

“What a DISGRACE!” shouted one woman. Another started ranting about the press, the Prime Minister, and someone called “Jo Swanson”. Another journalist raised a hand. “It’s clear,” they began, “that you don’t have the cross-party support to be caretaker prime minister. Would...”

The rest of the question was submerged by a tsunami of howls, jeers and cries of “SHAME ON YOU!”

A journalist suggested that even some Labour MPS didn’t want him as caretaker PM. Cue more indignation about anti-corbyn media bias.

Mr Corbyn remained calm. If the Government were to fall in a vote of confidence, he repeated, then he should be caretaker prime minister. Such is his supporters’ paranoia, it was probably the only thing he could say.

If he’d said he’d support another candidate, they’d have accused Mr Corbyn of anti-corbyn bias, too. “NOOOOOOOO!”

“Shame on you, Jeremy! Respect your mandate! Stop undermining Jeremy, Jeremy!”

“Jeremy, if you aren’t prepared to get behind Jeremy, then make way for someone who is!”