Former Labour Leader’s comment raises questions about his political comeback and Labour’s unity
Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader, has dropped a strong hint that he might be running for the position of London Mayor. Speaking at a 70th birthday party for his former girlfriend, Diane Abbott, Corbyn told guests, “You’re going to be seeing me around – I’m not going anywhere.”
Corbyn’s comments come after he was asked whether he was planning to stand as an independent in his Islington North constituency or run against the incumbent Labour Mayor, Sadiq Khan. Poll ratings for Khan have reportedly been declining, partly due to the controversial expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez).
Some political analysts suggest that if Corbyn enters the race, it could split the Labour vote, potentially allowing Tory candidate Susan Hall to secure victory. However, Corbyn’s allies argue he could “do a Livingstone” – a reference to Ken Livingstone, who became Mayor of London as an independent candidate in 2000 after defying his party.
Corbyn was expelled from the parliamentary Labour Party in 2020 following a damning report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) on antisemitism within the party. Labour leader Keir Starmer later confirmed that Corbyn would “categorically” not stand as a Labour candidate in the next general election.
“Let me be very clear about that: Jeremy Corbyn will not stand for Labour at the next general election,” said Starmer, adding that Corbyn had “betrayed” the values of the British people and that his party is “not going back.”
Could Corbyn’s latest comment imply a political comeback that risks splitting Labour votes? Only time will tell. Story Source
