New Times,
New Thinking.

  1. Politics
25 November 2015updated 07 Sep 2021 11:21am

Labour kicks off preparations for December election

MPs have been summoned to an election training session, in recognition of the fact that a snap poll is happening whether they like it or not.

By Patrick Maguire

Though it is far from clear whether the Labour leadership will back a one-line bill providing for the December election they refused to grant Boris Johnson this evening, they are privately reconciled to its inevitability. 

In a message to the parliamentary Labour party – seen by the New Statesman – opposition MPs have been summoned to a special election training session with Andrew Whyte, Labour’s head of external governance, on Wednesday afternoon. 

The party has also invited its MPs to a session on the dissolution of parliament hosted by the Commons authorities.

Despite deep disquiet in the PLP, and the leadership’s reluctance to commit to voting for any election legislation tabled by Boris Johnson or its opposition rivals in the SNP and Liberal Democrats, Jeremy Corbyn and his MPs know a simple majority for a pre-Christmas, pre-Brexit election exists.

So, as much as they would prefer it not to be the case, the leadership and PLP have no option but to begin preparations in earnest: a snap poll is coming whether they like it or not.

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

Content from our partners
The UK’s skills shortfall is undermining growth
<strong>What kind of tax reforms would stimulate growth?</strong>
How to end the poverty premium