“Now facing a weak, unpopular and incompetent Labour leader in Jeremy Corbyn, all indications are now that they will be able not just to hold on in 2020, but to win with an increased majority”.
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The left-wing politician, who is favourite to be re-elected as leader, spoke at the East Cliff Bandstand to gauge support from party supporters and others ahead of what is likely to be an eventful few years.
But given such suspicion, it is perhaps not surprising that Corbyn supporters also blame those MPs – as well as the media – for the party’s poor showing in recent polls.
“He conceded that it might put some pressure on the new leader, whoever that is, because it might choose members of the shadow cabinet they might not pick”, the Labour source said.
Now the leader appoints the shadow cabinet, but some Labour MPs want to revert to a system under which they would elect its members.
Jeremy Corbyn hit out when shadow cabinet elections were scrapped in 2011.
Corbyn’s campaign issued a statement signed by three members of the band – Robin Campbell, Jimmy Brown and Brian Travers – which said: “Jeremy has re-ignited an interest in politics for people who no longer felt included, and engaged and inspired a new generation of young voters who, for the first time, believe that they have an incorruptible politician who truly represents them”.
He added: “How the shadow cabinet is made up is one part of that debate, including whether part of it should be elected by MPs, by members, or by conference”.
Corbyn is fighting a leadership challenge from Owen Smith.
Today a spokesman for Mr Corbyn signalled a direct vote by Labour members could be a different solution.
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As part of his arts manifesto released last month, Mr Corbyn pledged that all primary schools in England would get extra cash to fund arts activities and a single national scheme for arts scholarships would be set up.
