Labour pains
The reinstatement of Jeremy Corbyn has raised all kinds of problems within the Labour Party. It seems like they’re giving the Conservatives a run for their money when it comes to coaxing controversy. Labour leader Keir Starmer’s refusal to admit his predecessor as an MP from the Labour Party now threatens to break open the party lines.
Len McCluskey, leader of Unite the Union, and important Labour donor hit out at Starmer’s refusal to admit Corbyn as a Labour MP, asking him whether this was the unity in the party that Starmer had promised. Another 30-odd Labour MPs that form the Socialist Campaign faction have condemned Starmer’s decision as well. The Socialist Campaign group had regrouped following Starmer’s appointment as Party leader earlier this year and don’t seem to share a positive relationship with Starmer. In fact, the faction released a pamphlet that called Starmer, “professional, credible and responsible” approach as a “good start, but there is much farther to go”. This pamphlet, interestingly enough, had an article written by Jeremy Corbyn.
The latest controversy threatens to split open the party, as the hardline Socialist Campaign Group lobby aggressively for Corbyn’s reinstatement as Labour MP, while Starmer has made it clear that Corbyn’s statement in the wake of the anti-semitism report, attacks Labour credibility as they try to respond strongly to claims that they’re soft on anti-semitism, which in-turn undermines the trust that a significant vote-bank has in them.
These are curious times in British politics. Both the Conservatives and Labour are seemingly reeling from internal conflict and are trying to grasp the full effect of the Pandemic. Both Starmer and Johnson are trying to portray themselves as strong leaders, taking bold calls regarding members of their hierarchy. Yet, they dont seem totally in control. It could be a shaky few weeks ahead for the Labour Party. Whether they come out united at the end will affect their ability to mount a serious challenge to the Tories in the next election.