The battle for Britain’s opposition Labour leadership has become more complicated after a second challenger to Jeremy Corbyn threw his hat into the ring.
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The battle for Britain’s opposition Labour leadership has become more complicated after a second challenger to Jeremy Corbyn threw his hat into the ring.
Owen Smith, the leader’s former work and pensions policy chief, joined Angela Eagle in saying that they believe the current leader – much criticised amid the Brexit referendum fallout – is unelectable.
“He (Corbyn) has done a good job in some respects but he is not the man who can lead us into the next election and win for Labour and working people in this country cannot afford to have a Labour Party that isn’t presenting a powerful opposition and a credible alternative government. That’s what I am determine to provide, this leadership that we need,” Owen Smith said on Wednesday.
The move could actually boost Jeremy Corbyn’s prospects if the opposition to him is split.
Most Labour MPs have deserted the left-wing leader but he remains confident of grassroots membership support.
Corbyn won nearly 60 percent of first round votes when elected last year.
At stake is the future direction of Britain’s main opposition party.