Jeremy Corbyn warns rebellious MPs as leadership poll closes

Jeremy Corbyn has struck a defiant tone in a close-of-poll statement on Labour's tough leadership election, warning rebellious MPs against "destructive self-indulgence".

Corbyn is widely expected to win a renewed mandate when the results of the leadership challenge are announced in Liverpool on Saturday.

But the occasionally bitter tone of the debate, after scores of MPs resigned from his shadow cabinet, has exposed a deep divide in the party.

In a statement issued yesterday, after voting closed at noon, Corbyn promised a "clean slate", for colleagues in the parliamentary Labour Party, who overwhelmingly backed a motion of no confidence in him in June – but also made clear he would expect them to back him.

“As far as I am concerned, the slate will be wiped clean this weekend. If I am re-elected leader, I will reach out and work with all Labour MPs to form a broad and effective opposition to this divisive and floundering Tory government,” he said.

But he added: “All Labour Party members and MPs have a responsibility to work within the democracy of our party and respect the leadership of whoever is elected.”

“We owe it to the millions of people Labour exists to represent to end the personal attacks, and work together for all those who depend on the election of a Labour government. Anything else would be destructive self-indulgence.”

Deselection

Some of Corbyn’s powerful backers, including Unite general secretary Len McCluskey – have suggested that MPs who have been disloyal to the leader could face deselection.

With many Labour MPs fearing Theresa May could call a snap general election in the coming months, Tom Watson, the party’s deputy leader, had proposed plans for elections to the shadow cabinet, as a way of “getting the band back together” .

But an all-day meeting of Labour’s governing national executive committee failed to agree formal proposals on Tuesday. Corbyn agreed to talks, involving chief whip Rosie Winterton, which could draw up proposals before an extra NEC meeting on Saturday. Jon Ashworth MP, who sits on the NEC as a shadow minister, said: “Now the leadership ballot has closed, our collective energies must go into pulling together the strongest possible team to take on the Tories. ”

Watson was also reportedly involved in trying to get crisis talks arranged. But Corbyn’s team are in no hurry, as they would like to see shadow cabinet elections considered as part of a wider project of democratising the party.

A package of measures could include greater members’ involvement in policymaking – and could be considered after conference is over.

Corbyn’s allies believe enough MPs will agree to serve in the shadow cabinet to end the embarrassing juggling of portfolios after mass resignations over the summer, without the need to promise MPs a say in who joins.

Alice Perry, an Islington councillor and NEC member whose own proposals to improve representation in the Labour Party were passed, said: “It’s time for everyone to unite, to get behind our leader and take the fight to the Tories.”

Speaking as the polls closed, Owen Smith said he was “incredibly grateful to all of the Labour members, supporters and trade unionists who have voted for me”.

“Setting out a vision for Labour’s future, to end austerity, invest in our NHS, build the 300,000 new homes a year we need to end our housing crisis, boosting workers’ rights and pay through a real living wage. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve already done and will continue to do for the Labour Party and the people we seek to serve.” – (Guardian service)