Jeremy Corbyn suspended from Labour Party (now reinstated) and whip removed

[Typhoon]

He was clearly not fit to be party leader, but that doesn't necessarily mean he wasn't fit at the time to be a backbench MP. Much as I disagree with him on many issues, there is an argument that it's good to have at least a few MPs questioning what the Government is doing, offering alternative opinions, and being willing to vote against the Government when they feel strongly about an issue. And from everything I've heard, he was a good constituency MP. Problem is, backbench MP is really what he was good at and where he should've stayed.

He was never going to be a minister because he was never prepared to compromise his views. Unfortunately for him Prime Minister (and, therefore, Shadow Prime Minister) is no exception. As you quite rightly say, his strength appears to have been through representing his constituents. I have been fortunate that my MP has never been a government minister (or shadow minister) - the odd bag carrier excepted, and some have been outstanding constituency MPs because they were prepared to work for and stick up for their constituents before party. I fear history will treat Jeremy Corbyn a lot less kindly than if he had failed to get sufficient nominees in 2015.

I personally would like to see him back in the Labour Party but it is essential that he shows sufficient contrition, antisemitism was not

“dramatically overstated for political reasons”

It was used for political reasons (it was, after all, a 'gift horse') but by no means overstated. The Labour Party has been harmed, but, more important, members, ex-members and others have been genuinely hurt by the actions of some, overlooked by the then leadership. It may take quite some time for them to feel that Labour really is their party again and Mr Corbyn needs to recognise that.

 

[507021]

As someone who is Jewish, this pleases me greatly.

Keir Starmer has certainly repaid the trust I put in him at the leadership election.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

As someone who is Jewish, this pleases me greatly.

Keir Starmer has certainly repaid the trust I put in him at the leadership election.

Indeed. Labour were supposed to be the party that did not discriminate. I think Tony Blair had 3? Jewish people in his cabinet. Btw some of my relatives are Jewish.

 

[507021]

Indeed. Labour were supposed to be the party that did not discriminate. I think Tony Blair had 3? Jewish people in his cabinet. Btw some of my relatives are Jewish.

I found it very difficult to vote Labour and continue my party membership with Corbyn as leader. The end of his dreadful, incompetent (lack of) leadership was, in my opinion, the best thing that's happened to the Labour Party since Tony Blair became leader 26 years previously.

 

[gingerheid]

Labour suspends Jeremy Corbyn over EHRC report comments

Suspension of former leader – after he says antisemitism in party is ‘overstated’ – likely to ignite Labour civil war

www.theguardian.com

Personally I’m ecstatic at the news due to a number of reasons, first among them being Jewish. What are your views?

Likewise.

However it worries me that the media are on top of opposing "left wing antisemitism" when there is no such thing, merely "antisemitism". It's just that for a point in time it was more prevalent on the left.

Also by having been the person that stayed to try and change the party from within, Keir Starmer now carries the curse of being a person who... stayed...

 

[Typhoon]

However it worries me that the media are on top of opposing "left wing antisemitism" when there is no such thing, merely "antisemitism". It's just that for a point in time it was more prevalent on the left.

You are quite right, anti-semitism on the right is far from unknown (internet search - too many to quote) but has been hidden in plain sight because the press zeroed in on Corbyn's reluctance to do anything about it in Labour.

Also by having been the person that stayed to try and change the party from within, Keir Starmer now carries the curse of being a person who... stayed...

Someone had to. Someone had to restore people's faith in Labour as a party for all. I think it says a lot for the man he has taken on the task, I've looked at the other candidates for the leadership, I don't think any of them would have taken such an extreme step. But it needed someone to go, almost, too far to have any hope of restoring confidence.

 

[507021]

Someone had to. Someone had to restore people's faith in Labour as a party for all. I think it says a lot for the man he has taken on the task, I've looked at the other candidates for the leadership, I don't think any of them would have taken such an extreme step. But it needed someone to go, almost, too far to have any hope of restoring confidence.

Absolutely agree. You can also guarantee that had Starmer resigned from the shadow cabinet in protest of the inaction on antisemitism in the party, then the media would instead be asking him why he didn't stay in the shadow cabinet to try and make a difference.

I feel much safer and happier in the party under Starmer's leadership, and hopefully sooner rather than later, Corbyn retires and fades into obscurity.

 

[PHILIPE]

Corbynists have now been saying that Corbyn must have his suspension lifted and his type of ideology is so engrained in them they are saying this must happen to get Labour into power. They are so deluded that they think Corbynism didn't lose them the last election

 

[telstarbox]

It wasn't Jeremy Corbyn that tanked the party's popularity in Scotland.

 

[DynamicSpirit]

Corbynists have now been saying that Corbyn must have his suspension lifted and his type of ideology is so engrained in them they are saying this must happen to get Labour into power.

Yes, I was somewhat amused by Len McCluskey's comment that Corbyn's suspension would ' compromise Labour’s chances of a general election victory ' No. Whatever one's personal views of Corbyn, his suspension has almost certainly made a Labour victory at the next election a lot more likely.

It wasn't Jeremy Corbyn that tanked the party's popularity in Scotland.

Sure, the loss of popularity in Scotland happened before Corbyn and occurred for other reasons - though it's not clear to what extent Corbyn prevented Labour from subsequently making at least some recovery in Scotland.

But in England and Wales (which between them account for about 90% of the MPs), I'd suggest Corbyn and his influence on Labour's direction was very definitely one of the biggest reasons for Labour doing so badly in 2019.

 

[507021]

Corbynists have now been saying that Corbyn must have his suspension lifted and his type of ideology is so engrained in them they are saying this must happen to get Labour into power. They are so deluded that they think Corbynism didn't lose them the last election

Deluded is being polite.

I'll be opening a bottle of champagne when Corbyn is expelled from the party.

 

[backontrack]

You are quite right, anti-semitism on the right is far from unknown (internet search - too many to quote) but has been hidden in plain sight because the press zeroed in on Corbyn's reluctance to do anything about it in Labour.

In 2015, the bacon sandwich was antisemitic. I'm serious.

I tend to keep away from these threads, and I'll continue to do so, but I feel it's worth reiterating that point because it feels like something we all collectively ignored.

Oh, and Corbyn left Starmer no choice. None at all. It almost feels like he was trying to get himself suspended.

 

[43096]

Oh, and Corbyn left Starmer no choice. None at all. It almost feels like he was trying to get himself suspended.

I'd be more cynical. It was Corbyn's handlers who made him do it; it fuels the left's agenda and persecution culture. Corbyn is weak: it's those he associates with who are far more dangerous (the likes of McDonnell and Abbott for a start).

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Yes, I was somewhat amused by Len McCluskey's comment that Corbyn's suspension would ' compromise Labour’s chances of a general election victory ' No. Whatever one's personal views of Corbyn, his suspension has almost certainly made a Labour victory at the next election a lot more likely.

I have to agree. May not be in the Blair landslide territory but definitely a lot more likely for a victory.

 

[gingerheid]

They are so deluded that they think Corbynism didn't lose them the last election

Correction - lost them the last two elections. And getting 30 seats in the first one wasn't a success story when it was off a government that was in an absolute tailspin at the time. He tried to steal milk off a baby and came away with little more than a splash of milk on his hands!

 

[507021]

I have to agree. May not be in the Blair landslide territory but definitely a lot more likely for a victory.

A Labour victory is possible now we've got a credible and competent leader who actually backs up his words with actions, but our starting position isn't great. To go from 200 seats up to at least 326 in a single general election would be an extremely difficult (but not impossible) task in my opinion.

 

[xotGD]

A Labour victory is possible now we've got a credible and competent leader who actually backs up his words with actions, but our starting position isn't great. To go from 200 seats up to at least 326 in a single general election would be an extremely difficult (but not impossible) task in my opinion.

I think a minority Labour government propped up by the SNP is a more realistic objective for the party.

There is then the problem for Labour of what they do after Scotland becomes independent.

 

[Typhoon]

I think a minority Labour government propped up by the SNP is a more realistic objective for the party.

There is then the problem for Labour of what they do after Scotland becomes independent.

An alternative might be the approach adopted by Labour in the '60s. No deals with any one (maybe a few chats with the LibDems to sort out some stuff they would support). Put forward progressive but fairly uncontroversial legislation (pro NHS stuff, shoring up workers rights for example). If it gets knocked back in the Commons, go to the country. 'We are trying to push through what the people voted for, nasty Tories stopping us' and hope to win.

 

[507021]

I think a minority Labour government propped up by the SNP is a more realistic objective for the party.

There is then the problem for Labour of what they do after Scotland becomes independent.

I would say so too at this stage. To win an election, we'd need to win big in Scotland, and I don't see that happening.

Of course, Tony Blair won 145 seats in 1997, but the political landscape then is vastly different to the one we're in today.

 

[DB]

I would say so too at this stage. To win an election, we'd need to win big in Scotland, and I don't see that happening.

Of course, Tony Blair won 145 seats in 1997, but the political landscape then is vastly different to the one we're in today.

And Blair was undoubtedly charismatic and a very adept public speaker. Not sure that this applies to Starmer.

 

[507021]

And Blair was undoubtedly charismatic and a very adept public speaker. Not sure that this applies to Starmer.

I think Starmer is a good speaker, but agree he's a bit lacking in charisma.

However, I think it's something that can be taught, and he's got a few years before the next election.

Time will tell.

 

[Typhoon]

And Blair was undoubtedly charismatic and a very adept public speaker. Not sure that this applies to Starmer.

The difference is that Blair was up against 'Mr Grey' (John Major), so charisma and 'things can only get better' were always likely to trump him.

This time, Starmer is up against Boris Johnson, who has charisma in spades but has been caught out time and time again on detail - it is here that Starmer's inquisitorial style scores points. He is undermining Johnson while pledging support (something Johnson himself did to Theresa May). Johnson is being shown to be incompetent so Starmer needs to show that he is competent and in control (hence the topic of this thread).

I think Starmer is a good speaker, but agree he's a bit lacking in charisma.
However, I think it's something that can be taught, and he's got a few years before the next election.
Time will tell.

And there is plenty of time - to see whether and how soon Johnson jumps - or is pushed. Then a chance to adapt to whoever is the new PM. There will be a good few candidates - it will be Gove's last chance, Raab must be tempted - the only way is down otherwise, Pritti Patel will be up for it - she put herself forward as an alternative to May. There are several others who think they are more capable than they have shown so far. Sunak has said he doesn't want the job so he will 'reluctantly' let himself be put forward. Starmer can sit back and develop strategies against the front runners.

 

[DynamicSpirit]

The difference is that Blair was up against 'Mr Grey' (John Major), so charisma and 'things can only get better' were always likely to trump him.

This time, Starmer is up against Boris Johnson, who has charisma in spades but has been caught out time and time again on detail - it is here that Starmer's inquisitorial style scores points. He is undermining Johnson while pledging support (something Johnson himself did to Theresa May). Johnson is being shown to be incompetent so Starmer needs to show that he is competent and in control (hence the topic of this thread).

Agreed. Back in 1997 we'd had 7 years of a Prime Minister who was clearly nice and well-meaning but who came across as both incompetent and boring. That was the perfect opportunity for someone of charisma.

Today we have a Prime Minister who is (to many people) very charismatic, but also comes across to much of the electorate as incompetent. That rather presents an opportunity for someone who comes across as very competent, even if they seem boring - the current environment is going to be less favourable to someone charismatic because we've already had lots of that without it working out.

 

[Dan17H]

Good riddence, and I hope he takes the student politics and socialists with him. Our local branch tore into our union when they forced far left Labour Party activists down upon us at a local meeting. The activists weren't interested about what we were discussing, only there to tell us how good Corbyn was and how we all needed to see the light.

 

[Cowley]

And.... Back in again.

Jeremy Corbyn: Labour readmits ex-leader after anti-Semitism row

The ex-leader was suspended by the party over his reaction to a report by the human rights watchdog.

www.bbc.co.uk

He was suspended over his reaction to a report on anti-Semitism within the party, when he said the scale of the problem had been "overstated".
It is not yet clear whether Mr Corbyn will face further sanctions, following a meeting of Labour's ruling body.
New leader Sir Keir Starmer has spoken out against anyone who describes anti-Semitism in Labour as "exaggerated".
But the decision to suspend Mr Corbyn was taken by the party's general secretary David Evans.
A panel made up of members from the party's National Executive Committee met on Tuesday to decide whether to take further disciplinary action or to lift his suspension.

 

[LOL The Irony]

And.... Back in again.

Jeremy Corbyn: Labour readmits ex-leader after anti-Semitism row

The ex-leader was suspended by the party over his reaction to a report by the human rights watchdog.

www.bbc.co.uk

A knee bending cop out.

 

[DarloRich]

A knee bending cop out.

Yes - still too many SWP types involved in the NEC. Membership of the review panel was weighted towards Corbyn fans. He should be out.

 

[Daniel740]

Hopefully this give Starmer the excuse to reform and clear out the Labour NEC of all the Trots and tankies...

 

[507021]

I've just resigned from the party.

 

[birchesgreen]

If i wasn't so lazy i'd probably do the same.