Angela Eagle and Owen Smith are closing in on a deal in which the MP who attracts fewer nominations in the Labour leadership contest will pull out, paving the way for a single candidate to take on Jeremy Corbyn.
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The former shadow business secretary also urged Labour Party members and supporters to “keep it comradely” in the leadership election, following abuse and threats directed at MPs.
I would like to ask those people who are rejoining the Labour Party why they did not stay with the party and work for what they believe in within it?
But with Mr Corbyn securing a place in the new leadership contest without needing to gain MPs’ nominations, his support among rank and file party members could see him remain in position.
The original Marshall Plan was an aid package from the United States to rebuild western European economies following the Second World War.
“Based on this, we, as Labour Party members in the East Midlands, feel that Jeremy Corbyn has provided strong leadership and offered a new style of politics that resonates with hundreds of thousands of people up and down the country and from all walks of life who oppose the divisiveness of the current Conservative government”. She came up with this brilliant line.
The former shadow work and pensions secretary, however, reveals he had suggested to Corbyn that he could become president or chair of Labour, in return for standing down.
Mr Corbyn added: “If they can’t afford the £25, what do they do?”
“That wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t won the leadership a year ago”, the Labour leader said. “I understand of course why it is a bad thought for any person”.
Mr Smith will set out his leadership pledges in a speech in his constituency later, including plans to invest £200bn into building projects, which he will say is what is needed to “rebuild Britain”.
“I’m hoping there will be an understanding that it’s simply not very fair to say to people that joined the party in the last six months that “Sorry, your participation is no longer welcome, because we’re having a leadership contest”.
The prospect of Labour members re-electing Mr Corbyn when the vast majority of its MPs have called for change has led to growing talk of a split. Right now, he can’t do that.
Five principles were agreed that the Scottish Labour for Jeremy Campaign would be based on.
“I don’t think we should accept we’re on a definite path out”.
“I will respect that decision and honour the mandate that whoever is elected in that election gets”.
“And if it is not going to reduce those inequalities, then we in the Labour Party should not do it”. “I can not be certain that we will be able to form a front bench again if he does win but I will do my best to sort that out”.
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He told an audience at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland today it would not be appropriate to have an all-male battle for the top job as he dismissed claims the party was in chaos.
