Jeremy Corbyn resignation: Labour leader announces plans to step down as party suffers major election defeat

Jacob Jarvis14 December 2019
WEST END FINAL

Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Jeremy Corbyn has announced he will stand down as Labour leader amid an election horror show for the party.

Mr Corbyn, whose party suffered a mammoth defeat by the Tories, has said he will not lead Labour into another election campaign.

The Islington North MP made the announcement on his future in a speech after his Islington North constituency was declared.

He said: "I will not lead the party in any future general election campaign."

Jeremy Corbyn has said he will not lead Labour into another election
REUTERS

Mr Corbyn has said he will continue to lead the party during a "period of reflection" as Labour decides the direction it should take next.

"I will discuss with our prty to ensure there is a process now of reflection on this result and on the policies that the party will take going forward," he said.

“And I will lead the party during that period to ensure that discussion takes place and we move on into the future.”

General Election Night: December 2019 - In pictures

1/45

The Labour leader had faced mounting pressure as the Tories gained a large majority in the Commons, with Labour haemorrhaging seats.

In his own constituency he secured a majority, taking 34,603 votes.

Jeremy Corbyn leaves the count after his announcement
REUTERS

Speaking after that announcement he thanked his family and close friends for their support, while he criticised media treatment of those close to him and his party in general.

Moving on to comment on Labour's performance, set to be its worse since 1935, he said: "This is obviously a very disappointing night for the Labour Party, with the result that we've got."

He defended his party's policies but said Brexit has "overridden so much of a normal political debate".

"I recognise that has contributed to the result that the Labour Party has received this evening all across the country," he said.

"The issues of social justice and the issues of needs of people will not go away just because Brexit is dealt with in the way Boris Johnson plans to deal with it at the moment."

He said he will remain MP for Islington North, stating he is proud to represent the constituency.

Mr Corbyn added: “And I’m proud in Parliament and outside that we will forever continue the cause for socialism, for social justice and for a society based on the needs of all rather than the greed of a few.

“That is what makes our party what it is and I’m very proud of the achievements of our party and the development of its manifesto and its ideas.

“I tell you what, those ideas and those principles are eternal and they will be there for all time.”

Who will replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader?

1/3

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in