Jeremy Corbyn wins UK labour leadership election
Saturday, September 24, 2016
This morning the UK Labour Party announced incumbent leader Jeremy Corbyn has defeated his challenger Owen Smith by just under 24% in a leadership challenge.
Jeremy Corbyn used his acceptance speech as an opportunity to offer an olive branch to his detractors, telling Owen Smith they were both "part of the same Labour family". He said he was "honoured" as he thanked those who voted for him for "trust and support". Owen Smith made no speech at the event; he later said he would support Corbyn since Corbyn won.
There were mixed reactions from those who opposed Corbyn. Labour MP Chuka Umunna acknowledged Jeremy Corbyn was labour's "candidate for prime minister". Hillary Benn, whose firing from the shadow cabinet triggered mass resignations within the ranks earlier on this year, tweeted it is "Time for unity" within the party. However, in a less conciliatory remark, Labour MP Louise Ellman said Corbyn "needs to change" in order to broaden his appeal beyond his "cheering fans".
Sources
- Hatty Collier. "Jeremy Corbyn wins Labour leadership election in landslide result" — London Evening Standard, September 24, 2016
- "Labour leadership: Jeremy Corbyn defeats Owen Smith" — BBC News Online, September 24, 2016
- Michael Wilkinson. "Labour leadership results: Jeremy Corbyn wins 61.8pc of vote as sacked Hilary Benn says 'time for unity'" — The Daily Telegraph (United Kingdom), September 24, 2016