The magic grandpa is back in the headlines. Keir Starmer’s decision to move against his predecessor means an unwelcome return to the spotlight for Jeremy Corbyn, who has never been a great fan of the fourth estate. Starmer has proposed a motion to Labour’s ruling body to bar Jezza for standing for the party again, citing his disastrous leadership as the justification for this. Big news you might think – and one worth seeking Corbyn’s views on.
Yet when Sky’s Liz Bates – one of the more genial members of the lobby – approached Corbyn for comment outside parliament, it seems that the ex-Labour MP was in no mood to talk. Bates politely asked the septuagenarian socialist if he intended to stand again as an independent candidate. Jezza deflected by saying he was off to a protest (quelle surprise) but Bates persisted, prompting Corbyn to bark back at her. ‘Thank you very much’ he shouted – a polite expression belied by the venom with which he spoke.
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