‘An hour of abuse thrown at me’: Jeremy Corbyn on being the target of a Labour coup
Jeremy Corbyn reflected on the 2016 Labour leadership crisis when colleagues attempted to oust him, describing it as an intense and personally challenging period. He expressed sympathy for Keir Starmer, who is currently facing a similar political struggle within the party. Corbyn emphasized his resolve to stand firm despite widespread criticism and resignations from his shadow cabinet.
- ▪In June 2016, Jeremy Corbyn faced a leadership challenge after 21 members of his shadow cabinet resigned over concerns about his leadership following the EU referendum.
- ▪Corbyn described a parliamentary Labour party meeting as 'horrendous,' with an hour of personal abuse directed at him.
- ▪He received support from allies like Len McCluskey, who called the move a coup and urged him to fight rather than resign.
- ▪Corbyn refused to step down, stating he was elected by a clear majority and that only party members should decide his fate.
- ▪He recalled coping with the stress by going to his allotment, where he continued to receive resignation messages and made light of the situation by naming them after vegetables.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
‘I wouldn’t vote for any of them,’ said Corbyn, then checked himself, adding: ‘I would always vote.’ Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The GuardianView image in fullscreen‘I wouldn’t vote for any of them,’ said Corbyn, then checked himself, adding: ‘I would always vote.’ Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The GuardianLabour party leadership‘An hour of abuse’: Jeremy Corbyn on Labour coups, and whether he feels sorry for StarmerAs Keir Starmer endures a slow ousting, his predecessor recalls the day in 2016 when colleagues tried to force him out – and assesses who might come nextDaniel Boffey Chief reporterSat 16 May 2026 05.49 EDTFirst published on Sat 16 May 2026 02.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on Google“Yeah, I do feel [sorry for him],” said Jeremy Corbyn, with only a little hesitation.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — World.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Guardian — World
