While the Conservative party sorted itself with a new PM and cabinet for the country, the challenges within Labour continue. While the contest has just stared with the final outcome no where in sight, the latest is this.
On Friday the £3 membership loophole was blocked by Jeremy Corbyn which prompted criticism from members and the trade union Unite. The procedures committee of Labour’s governing body ruled that only people signed up to an affiliated organisation before 12th January would be allowed to vote. Labour supporters who are not already members of the party for at least six months or of affiliated organisations can vote in the leadership contest, if they pay £25. This move provoked claims that people have been left disenfranchised by the costly fee.
A Unite spokesperson said the trade union is seeking legal guidance to clarify how the ruling will affect members who joined six months back. Unite members carried out a motion backing a mandatory reelection for sitting MPs which has created further tension in the Labour party. Speaking on the issue a Unite spokesperson said “ This vote today simply reflects the immense frustration that our members feel. They looks at the conduct of some within the party, the challenge to the elected leader, and they feel angered. They want Labour fighting the Tories, not among themselves.”
On Monday as the registration for the new members opened and somewhat predictably the party website crashed. The Labour party struggled to meet demand as many people took to social media to complain about their inaccessibility to the site. A statement by the party said the page ‘initially experienced high levels of traffic’ as it went live. Deadline for the registering closes on Wednesday.
This comes after Owen Smith followed Angela Eagle to join the leadership contest. Mr Smith pledged to have a bolder vision for Britain. Owen Smith over the weekend called on Eagle to withdraw from the leadership race if she received fewer nominations as the contest starts. While most of Corbyn’s opponents agree that their best chance is to put forward a single candidate, unfortunately they have not been able to decide who should run. Sources with Labour say that there is an informal agreement between Ms Eagle and Mr Smith that the challenger with the least support among MPs will pull out of the race to avoid a three-way contest.
Owen Smith who appeared on Sky News on Monday said “I am normal. I grew up in a normal household, I’ve got a wife and three children. My wife is a primary school teacher.” He has faced criticism over this remark he made on TV which has been perceived as homophobic against Ms Eagle, who is openly gay.
Finally, in the midst of the leadership challenge, a political ally of Mr Corbyn conceded that is was “difficult” to see how the Labour leader could emerge victorious from the crisis. Paul Flynn, MP for Newport West said “There are strains, running the party machine is very difficult. We’re down to a skeleton staff.” He said that he would continue to serve as long as he was needed.
This seems strange as Jeremy Corbyn’s popularity among the grassroots party members is growing despite his MPs openly revolting. According to a YouGov poll conducted among party members, Mr Corbyn can beat contenders Ms Eagle and Mr Smith by a comfortable 20+ point margin.
