Two Ways to Remove Jeremy Corbyn as Leader

By Peter Paton

In the light of the escalating Anti Semitism scandal surrounding Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his inner circle, it has now became abundantly clear that Jeremy Corbyn is Unelectable by the British people.

In view of all this, there are now two clear definable ways for the Parliamentary Labour Party to remove Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the party.

Both methods would be controversial but nevertheless necessary if the Labour Party wishes to remain electable, and have a fighting chance of winning the next General Election, with or without Theresa May leading the Conservatives.

The first way would be for a fresh leadership challenge against Corbyn.

1.The moderate wing of the party would challenge Corbyn as a matter of electoral urgency. They would agree among themselves a single candidate so there is no diffusion of effort or support amongst anti-Corbyn factions. People outside the party, after last time, will be well aware of their right to vote in the leadership election. There are far more sensible moderates in the population than far leftists, the people who voted for Corbyn and/or joined the party since are basically the entire far left of Britain, there is no additional pool of support for him to call on. On the other hand, there are about 20 million middle-of-the-road voters in this country, many of whom will be attracted to a candidate for instance like Dan Jarvis and fully aware of their right to take part in the election.

A Labour leadership election where anyone can take part, that is publicised as an opportunity to give it to Corbyn in the neck and elect an attractive candidate like Dan Jarvis, would attract huge numbers that will completely swamp the far left vote. It will bring large numbers into the party, Dan would be elected leader. The Trots will be purged, and Labour would have a very reasonable chance of being elected in the next election..

2. The second way would even simpler. The Parliamentary Labour Party would simply chose for example Dan Jarvis as their leader, and isolate Corbyn and his Shadow Cabinet from the levers of political power.There has to be some legal basis for this political coup. Labour MPs can claim unfair decision-making. Violation of Cabinet collective functioning. Violation of PLP rules. etc. Unfair to make decision on Trident – decision announced/not genuine consultation. etc. Trade unions can be brought on board – on Trident issue/ couple of other measures

Peter Paton is an International PR and Strategic Adviser

Follow Peter on Twitter @pjpaton

E Mail peter.paton@gmail.com