On Saturday 12th September 2015, the most awaited result for the new leadership of the Labour Party was finally announced, astonishing many people; some pleasantly surprised while others shocked in dismay. Jeremy Corbyn (66), who has been a Member of Parliament for Islington North since 1983, has triumphantly become the new leader of the Labour Party, filling in the shoes of the former leader, Ed Miliband.
Jeremy Bernard Corbyn, born on 26th May 1949, was someone whom not many people had any expectations from. He was never considered a scholar nor did he have grades to boast about. Even his headteacher had stated, “you will never make anything of yourself”, as he left school with two grade E A-levels; a statement Corbyn never forgot.
During the leadership election campaign, Corbyn had started off as the underdog; he was considered a 200- 1 outsider during the initial stage of the three-month contest. However, he progressed to become a popular choice with the masses, especially with his message about anti-austerity which led to a wave of enthusiasm, as well as his pledge to demolish Britain's nuclear weapons, renationalise the railways and major utilities has driven him to victory.
Described as a teetotaller and strict vegetarian, the left-wing veteran was declared the winner after receiving almost 60% of more than 400,000 votes cast, beating his rivals, Liz Kendall, Andy Burnham and Yvette Cooper in the Labour leadership race.
The declaration of his new designation caused an uproar among several shadow cabinet members. Many existing shadow cabinet members have ruled themselves out of serving on the front bench in Jeremy Corbyn's cabinet; these members include, Rachel reeves, Yvette Cooper and Tristram Hunt.
Following the announcement of Corbyn becoming the face of Labour, David Cameron used Twitter to state his displeasure regarding the result and his concern for Britain's future. He tweeted, “The Labour Party is now a threat to our national security, our economic security and your family's security.”
It is said that this is a strategy by the Conservatives to delineate the newly appointed Labour leader with their own terms early on.
Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, had criticised Corbyn's foreign policy, stressing his pledge to nuclear disarmament. Michael Fallon said, “Labour are now a serious risk to our nation's security, our economy's security and your family's security. Whether it's weakening our defences, raising taxes on jobs and earnings, racking up more debt and welfare or driving up the cost of living by printing money – Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party will hurt working people.”
He continued, “This is a very serious moment for our country – the Conservatives will continue to deliver stability, security and opportunity for working people.”
Amid the negativity and scrutiny that Jeremy Corbyn has been facing since his appointment as the leader, he received further flack for having a “male and pale” cabinet team. It is said that Corbyn later appointed Angela Eagle as shadow first secretary of state, a role which is usually filled by the shadow chancellor, to stop criticism and allegations of gender-bias, regarding top jobs were distributed among white men. However, Corbyn pointed out that 16 women have been given senior roles, while there are 15 men in his cabinet.
Jeremy Corbyn said, “I am delighted that we have established a shadow cabinet position for mental health, which is a matter I have long been interested in. Angela Eagle’s appointment as the shadow first secretary of state means she will deputise for me when David Cameron is not available for Prime Minister’s Questions. The shadow cabinet is a strong combination of change and continuity that will now come together to hold this government to account, starting today with this pernicious Trade Union Bill.”
The left-winger could most probably be the next Prime Minister in waiting. Whether his political approach brings a new positive way of life to Britain or lead to a downfall, only time will tell. One could just hope that his new role could breathe some life into the Labour Party's ailing performance in politics.
The national media, especially the print media has been critical of Jeremy Corbyn and his policies for a very long time. The responsibility of the job has made a definite impact. The new Labour leader has mellowed his stand on nuclear arms, railway renationalisation and several other issues.
Surprisingly for some, he has already accepted to be a member of the Privy Council; therefore, he will have to kneel to Her Majesty when he takes the oath, in spite of his earlier strong opposition to the Monarchy. Such changes are welcome indeed.
--------------
In a box for page 1
There are two female shadow members who are of South Asian heritage in Jeremy Corbyn's cabinet; Seema Malhotra and Lisa Nandy.
Seema Malhotra- Shadow chief secretary to the Treasury.
Following the death of Alan Keen, in a by-election in 2011, Seema Malhotra became the MP for Feltham and Heston. In 2014, she was given the role of shadow minister for preventing violence against women and girls by the former Labour leader, Ed Miliband.
Lisa Nandy- Shadow energy secretary.
In 2010, Lisa Nandy was elected as the MP for Wigan. She had previously served as a Shadow minister for Civil Society during Ed Miliband's leadership. She was also considered as a “rising star” of the left of the Labour Party.
--------------
In a box for page 17
Corbyn's cabinet
Deputy leader, party chairman and shadow minster for the Cabinet Office: Tom Watson
Shadow Chancellor: John McDonnell
Shadow home secretary: Hilary Benn
Shadow health secretary: Heidi Alexander
Chief whip: Rosie Winterton
Lords chief whip: Lord Bassam of Brighton
Shadow leader of the House of Lords: Baroness Smith of Basildon
Shadow leader of the House of Commons: Chris Bryant
Shadow attorney general: Catherine McKinnell
Shadow chief secretary of the Treasury: Seema Malhotra
Shadow business secretary and first secretary of state: Angela Eagle
Shadow justice secretary: Lord Falconer
Shadow education secretary: Lucy Powell
Shadow secretary for international development: Diane Abbott
Shadow secretary for Northern Ireland: Vernon Coaker
Shadow secretary for Wales: Nia Griffith
Shadow secretary for Scotland: Ian Muray
Shadow defence secretary: Maria Eagle
Shadow work and pensions secretary: Owen Smith
Shadow energy secretary: Lisa Nandy
Shadow secretary for environment: Kerry McCarthy
Shadow communities secretary: Jon Trickett
Shadow culture secretary: Michael Dugher
Shadow secretary for transport: Lilian Greenwood
Shadow secretary for women and equalities: Kate Greenwood
Shadow minister for young people and voter registration: Gloria De Piero
Shadow minister for mental health: Luciana Berger
Shadow minister without portfolio: Jonathan Ashworth
Shadow minister for housing: John Healey
