Jeremy Corbyn, the long-serving MP for Islington North, has announced he will run as an independent candidate in the upcoming election.
Corbyn, who led the Labour Party from 2015 to 2020, vowed to champion policies focused on equality, democracy, and peace.
Corbyn has represented Islington North for over 40 years and aims to advocate for measures such as rent controls and the abolition of the two-child benefit cap — proposals that have not been embraced by either Labour or the Conservatives.
His recent declaration to contest the Islington North constituency as an independent candidate comes as a direct consequence of the Labour Party’s decision to bar him from representing them again.
This decision is closely associated with his remarks following the release of a report by the Equalities Watchdog, highlighting issues of antisemitism within Labour.
Despite retaining his membership within the party, Corbyn faces imminent expulsion for his decision to run independently in the upcoming election.
Originally intending to unveil his electoral intentions next Tuesday, May 28 Corbyn was compelled to expedite his announcement due to the sudden snap election announcement by Rishi Sunak.
A close ally mentioned that Corbyn always prioritized informing his constituents first. Consequently, he declared his intentions through an article in the Islington Tribune.
In the article, he said: “When I was first elected, I made a promise to stand by my constituents no matter what … In Islington North, we keep our promises.”
Allies of Jeremy Corbyn revealed last year that he planned to stand as an MP, supported by research indicating his strong personal support in the constituency, reportedly seven times higher than the average MP’s.
Corbyn also openly criticized Labour’s decision to exclude local members from the candidate shortlisting process, encouraging members to “stand up and defend our rights.”
At a local party meeting last year, an overwhelming 98% of attendees supported a motion thanking Corbyn for his “commitment and service to the people,” asserting that it was the members’ “democratic right to select our MP.”
Labour Shortlists Two for Contentious Corbyn Contest
Labour shortlisted Sem Moema, a member of the London Assembly, and Praful Nargund, an Islington councilor, to contest Jeremy Corbyn in what promises to be a contentious election battle. The winner of Labour’s selection process will be announced on June 1.
Appealing to lifelong Labour voters, Corbyn stated, “I am here to represent the people of Islington North on exactly the same principles that I’ve stood by my whole life: social justice, human rights, and peace.”
He emphasized that “these principles are needed now more than ever before,” pledging to defend “a genuine alternative to the corrupt years of this Tory government.”
Corbyn’s platform includes rent controls, public ownership of energy and water, the abolition of the two-child benefits cap, a Green New Deal, and an ethical foreign policy focused on peace and human rights.
Jeremy Corbyn, who led the Labour Party for nearly five years with the support of the grassroots left-wing group Momentum, is entering a new phase in his political career.
Momentum, which has backed Corbyn since his 2015 leadership campaign, is now understood to support the Labour leadership in the upcoming election.
However, insiders acknowledge that many members might leave the party to back Corbyn’s independent campaign and other independent candidates.
Corbyn’s independent candidacy in Islington North marks a significant shift in his political journey.
As he faces expulsion from Labour, he remains committed to policies of social justice, human rights, and peace. This election will test his enduring influence and the loyalty of his constituents.
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