The figures reveal deep tensions in the party, and over a third of Labour members now believe that a split is likely.
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The challenger’s campaign will be anxious by the news that just 33 per cent of those who intend to vote for him, and 12 per cent of the overall selectorate, believe that he can win the next general election.
However, Smith added: “I think Scotland is much better off within the UK. Labour, under my leadership, will utilise the advance of digital technology to mobilise the most visible general election campaign ever”. “Labour must be a party that fights for black, Asian and ethnic minority communities – and a diverse and united Britain”, declared Mr Corbyn.
Asked directly if he would oppose another referendum, Smith replied: “No, of course not”.
He continued: “If the Scottish people chose that that’s what they wanted, and there was agreement in the Labour Party, that would be for them to determine it”.
Speaking in Shoreditch, Mr Corbyn highlighted further technical innovations by his supporters, including a new canvassing app inspired by Bernie Sanders’ US presidential bid, which he will say is transforming grass-roots political engagement. “There is something more than ideology or leadership appeal here – if the pro-Corbyn faction are left in control of the Labour party they get 21% compared to the rebels on 13%; if Corbyn’s opponents win control of the Labour party they get 19% compared to the Corbyn faction’s 14%”.
“Many people use instant access to Twitter, more or less, like continuing a pub conversation and deeply regret the abuse they have sent people at that time, but unfortunately, it’s there for eternity”, he said. “All of that is completely untrue”.
“But what’s most galling is that Mr Smith brushed off the promises made to the people of Scotland on European Union membership and on shipbuilding during the independence referendum campaign saying that these were “contingent” on Labour being in power”.
Mr Balls was criticised by Labour MPs for offering an “austerity-lite” alternative to George Osborne’s policies during his time as shadow chancellor. He said that his party needs to be positive on immigration regardless of whether it leads to “electoral damage”.
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Scottish Labour made opposing a second independence referendum during the current parliamentary term a manifesto commitment for the 2016 elections. “It is less than two years since we had a vote, and there is no justification whatsoever for a divisive re-run”. “Instead of playing games with the Union let us protect it”.
