When Labour’s shadow cabinet resigned en masse last Monday, most expected Jeremy Corbyn to be an ex-leader before the week was out. But he refused to step down after a vote of no confidence on Wednesday, and starts this week as the Labour leader of a fresh (if short-staffed) shadow cabinet.
But the birds of prey are circling. Angela Eagle told Sky News she had the support to run against him “and resolve this impasse” if he doesn’t shift soon.
She said: “There are many people up and down the country who want him to reconsider his decision.
“He’s not properly engaged with even the deputy leader of the party, who was elected with a mandate too.
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“There are many people – MPs, Party members – asking me to resolve this impasse and I will if something isn’t done soon.”
Pressed on what she meant, she said: “I have the support to run and resolve this impasse and I will do so if Jeremy doesn’t pay attention soon.”
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Eagle was widely expected to announce she would challenge Corbyn for the leadership last week, but demurred in the hope of resolving the issue in a less destructive manner. The rebel MPs had hoped some of Corbyn’s shadow cabinet would resign, but this hasn’t happened.