Jeremy Corbyn: Leading From the Left
By Nigel Cawthorne
In the last five years, Jeremy Corbyn’s career has gone from strength to strength. Rising from the backbenches to become the leader of the Labour Party, he has rejected Tony Blair-era centrism in favour of traditional left-wing views.
With unprecedented fervour amongst young voters, his authenticity and radical policies have culminated in a ‘youthquake’ phenomenon the press has dubbed Corbynmania. But this does not mean he is supported by the entire Left.
Dogged by accusations of anti-Semitism and impeded by his party’s official stance on Brexit, Corbyn’s abilities have been questioned by many. During his successful bid for Labour leadership, The Guardianstated, ‘if Jeremy Corbyn becomes leader, it won’t be a defeat like 1983 or 2015 at the next election. It will mean rout, possibly annihilation.’
Given Labour’s shock success in the 2017 snap general election, they were forced to eat their words – for now, at least.
Just who is this figure who leapt to the forefront of British politics? Can he unite the Left and lead an offensive against the Conservatives? Is this the man to reinvent labour?
Nigel Cawthorne is the author of over 160 books including the bestselling Alan Johnson: Left Standing, Jeremy Clarkson: Motormouth, Harry: A Prince Among Men and A Little Bit of Stephen Fry. He lives in Bloomsbury, London’s most literary area.
