Jeremy Corbyn will automatically be on ballot paper for Labour leadership race, NEC agrees

Victorious: A jubilant Jeremy Corbyn leaves the Labour Party's HQ on Tuesday evening
PA
Sebastian Mann13 July 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Labour's ruling body has decided Jeremy Corbyn will automatically make the leadership ballot in a major blow to MPs desperate to oust him.

The party's National Executive Committee voted 18-14 in Mr Corbyn's favour after hours of talks at Labour's headquarters in central London.

Critics had argued the incumbent leader should have to obtain the support of at least 51 MPs and MEPs in order to qualify for the race, which will pit MPs Angela Eagle and possibly Owen Smith against him.

But a party spokesman confirmed: "The NEC has agreed that as the incumbent leader Jeremy Corbyn will go forward onto the ballot without requiring nominations from the Parliamentary Labour Party and the European Parliamentary Labour Party.

"All other leadership candidates will require nominations from 20% of the PLP and EPLP."

A victorious Mr Corbyn emerged from the Westminster HQ to loud cheers and chants of "Jeremy, Jeremy" from waiting supporters.

Outside he told reporters he was "delighted" with the outcome of the vote - in which he himself had a say.

Asked whether he expected his opponents within the party to now mount a legal challenge, he said: "I'm sure Labour MPs will understand that the party has to come together in order to present to the British people the options of a different and better way of doing things."

He added: "I have been elected, last year, 10 months ago today, with a very large mandate. I respect that mandate. It's a responsibility I'm carrying out.

"I would hope there isn't going to be a legal challenge. There's been a very long legal discussion this afternoon. There were very well-qualified lawyers on hand to advise, so I think we are fine."

NEC members wrestled with legal advice over whether the leader would need to secure 51 nominations to make it onto the ballot after both sides insisted Labour's rulebook backed their case.

Without automatic inclusion in the race Mr Corbyn would almost certainly have been unable to defend his position.

The result is a significant setback for Ms Eagle, who faces a major battle to overturn his overwhelming backing among party supporters.

But she said: "I'm glad Labour's NEC has come to a decision. I welcome the contest ahead. And I am determined to win it."

Labour Party members need to have signed up on or before January 12 to be eligible to vote in the leadership contest.

Anyone who joined after then will have to pay an extra £25 to become a "registered supporter". They will have a two day window later this month in which to do so.

A Labour spokesman said: "The timetable for the contest for the leader of the Labour Party has been agreed by the NEC and will commence on Thursday. The timetable will be published then."

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