British election: Labour at war over leadership

The battle for the leadership of the British Labour Party has ­descended into acrimony.

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry with Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Picture: Getty Images.

The battle for the British Labour Party leadership has ­descended into acrimony as Jeremy Corbyn comes under renewed attack and one of his key allies was accused of calling voters “stupid”.

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry, ­believed to be eyeing a bid to succeed Mr Corbyn, was forced to deny the “total and utter lie” about the alleged slur on Sunday and was understood to be consulting lawyers.

Caroline Flint, who lost her seat in the former stronghold of Don Valley during the catastrophic election for Labour, claimed Ms Thornberry had told a colleague, “I’m glad my constituents aren’t as stupid as yours”.

The row came as shadow chancellor John McDonnell tried to take the flak for the defeat, saying, “I own this disaster”, and as Mr Corbyn also apologised for ­Labour’s worst result since 1935.

The race to succeed the leader is in full swing, with potential candidates testing the waters while senior figures in the current leadership have given their backing to shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey.

Ms Flint criticised “ardent ­Remainers”, including Ms Thornberry and shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer, for having “contributed to sacrificing 59 seats” during Thursday’s election.

She told Sky News: “Keir Starmer led us to a policy that did not listen to Labour Leave voices who urged caution, he led us down the path of a second referendum, and I’m afraid Emily Thornberry did as well — she said to one of my colleagues, ‘I’m glad my constituents aren’t as stupid as yours’.”

Ms Thornberry responded by saying: “I’ve never said that to anyone, nor anything like it, nor would I ever think it.

“Whatever our differences, let’s not sink into that gutter.”

Mr McDonnell sought to shield the current administration, saying “if anyone’s to blame, it’s me, full stop”.

He also cited Brexit and the media for having “demonised” the Labour leader.

Mr McDonnell said the next leader should be a woman — which would make her the first to lead the party — and said it was “most probably time for a non- metropolitan” candidate as he said “we need a northern voice”.

He tipped Ms Long-Bailey as having the ability to be “a brilliant leader”.

Mr Corbyn has written in an open letter that “I take my responsibility” for the loss and apologised, but came under fire for an unrepentant tone on the night of the defeat.

“I will make no bones about it. The result was a body blow for everyone who so desperately needs real change in our country,” he wrote.

He said he would stand down in the early part of next year after overseeing a “process of reflection”.

PA