MPs’ bid to come in from the cold

TWO high-profile Welsh Labour MPs who quit their posts in protest at Jeremy Corbyn’s performance during last year’s referendum campaign have urged the party to unite behind the leader in the wake of last week’s stronger-than-expected election result, writes political editor David Williamson.

Aberavon MP Stephen Kinnock and Caerphilly MP Wayne David did not hide their disappointment with Mr Corbyn’s leadership in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum.

In June last year Mr Kinnock criticised Mr Corbyn for playing a “half-hearted and lacklustre” leadership role, stating he had “come to the conclusion that you are no longer able to lead our party”.

Mr David also delivered strong criticism in the wake of the Brexit result, saying Mr Corbyn had failed to “unite the party around clear and relevant policies and provide strong leadership”.

Mr Kinnock quit as an aide to the Shadow Business Secretary and Mr David resigned from a string of front-bench positions, although he later returned as a Shadow Defence Minister.

But the two men have now pressed for party unity after an election result which saw Labour win 28 of Wales’ 40 seats, taking three constituencies from the Conservatives.

Mr Kinnock signalled his readiness to serve in Mr Corbyn’s front-bench team, telling the BBC: “The electorate has told us very clearly that they want a Labour Party in Parliament holding this Government to account – we got our marching orders. I’m chomping at the bit to do that, and if Jeremy thinks that I could do it from the front bench then, absolutely, I’d be honoured to do so.”

Calling for a Shadow Cabinet and a front bench of “all the talents”, he said: “There’s so much more that we can do... and we can only do that if we’ve got our best possible people rallying around our leader and speaking out for those who’ve elected to change the country.

“I think what we fundamentally saw in this election was we’ve taken on the mantle of change.”

Mr David told the BBC his response to another election was “bring it on and let’s get behind Jeremy Corbyn and let’s win that election”.

He said: “I think we saw a different Jeremy Corbyn, to be perfectly honest with you. It was quite remarkable how he managed to enthuse people and galvanise the support of the country, particularly young people.”