At least three political saboteurs at the heart of Jeremy Corbyn’s team “actively” undermined Labour’s campaign to stay in the EU, a former Cabinet minister claimed yesterday.
Ex-home secretary Alan Johnson, who was leader of the Labour In campaign, alleged that Corbyn either “could not control them” or “was sympathetic to their views”.
The senior Labour MP also unleashed a lacerating attack on Corbyn, accusing him of “woeful performances in the Commons”, not appearing to be able to move beyond “meaningless platitudes” and lacking the “desire” to take the party into government.
Johnson fired off the salvo as Angela Eagle, who quit earlier this week as shadow business secretary, was expected to announce that she is challenging Corbyn for the leadership. In an email to party members in his Hull constituency, the senior MP explained why he had backed the motion of no confidence in Corbyn, and voiced his anger at him for not campaigning more strongly for Britain to Remain in the EU.
“There is no doubt in my mind that at least three of his closest associates in the leader’s office were actively undermining the party’s efforts. They wanted ‘Leave’ to succeed and at best Jeremy could not control them; at worst he was sympathetic to their views.
“Either way his performance in the campaign was risible and a taster for what to expect in a general election. The fact that he refuses to take any responsibility whatsoever adds insult to injury.”
Corbyn’s aides rejected Johnson’s criticisms. His spokesman added: “Two out of three Labour members voted to Remain. That was due to Jeremy’s voice on remain and reform resonating.”
However, Corbyn has been widely accused of a lacklustre role in the In campaign after saying his passion for Britain staying in the EU was around “seven, or seven-and-a-half” out of 10.
There were also accusations from London Young Labour that Corbyn’s office failed to work properly with Britain Stronger In Europe, including cancelling meetings.