An Evening With The 'Unelectable' Jeremy Corbyn

Frontrunner Corbyn?

The past two months have seen the rise and rise of Jeremy Corbyn, to the point where he is likely to become the next Labour leader. Having watched on television and online at the rapid rise of Corbyn and his policies, I was unsure what to make of him especially given the opinions of many Labour big hitters. So it was with interest and curiosity that I spent an evening with Jeremy last night in Newcastle.

A host of left wing political speakers had their five minutes including a speech from the Unison leader who has backed Corbyn wholeheartedly. After much fist pumping, lecturn thumping and being called 'comrades' Jeremy was greeted with rapturous and lengthy applause. What he said was convincing and was clearly well researched and principled, talking about the need for equality, empathy, a levelling of the economic playing field and the values of the NHS.

It is hard to argue with anything that he spoke about and his ideas were clearly honest, full of thought and passion which brings me to why so many Labour veterans are so passionate and vocal about the need to not elect Corbyn as leader. Despite everything that Corbyn said, with which I could not find fault as a leftist myself, the evening left me leaning towards the opposition rather than joining Corbynmania.

Unelectable?

My reason for turning against the tide go back to the reasons for electoral defeat in May this year. I voted Labour and had, still have, much time and support for Ed Miliband so I was as shocked as anyone to see the exit poll and the evening that followed in May. However in reflection Ed, as much as I admire him and his policies, made a couple of crucial mistakes that made it easy for the Conservative party and their attack, which I fear Corbyn plays in to once again.
 
The Tories consistently and regularly labelled Labour as irresponsible, untrustworthy and reckless in charge of the country's economy. No matter the facts (of course Labour were not the cause of the GLOBAL financial crisis) the public bought in to this story and could not trust Labour despite the excellent and prudent manifesto that Ed Miliband put forward, proven by the fact David and George stole a number of policies for the following budget.

The reason I bring these painful memories back up is because I feel Corbyn plays perfectly in to the Conservative stereotyping of a Labour government. Listening to the speakers last night, as admirable and visionary the ideas were, I simply do not think his vision for the country is achievable and crucially affordable. Lynton Crosby and David Cameron can stick to their simple line of attack and say Labour would spend and spend, painting the reckless picture once again. This line of attack has proven to be successful and I fear would reopen the phrase, "cleaning up Labours' mess."

The Centre Ground

Four candidates, one winner....announced in September.

As a leftist myself I would prefer a Labour that positions itself slightly more to the left of the argument and a Labour that actually opposes the Conservative agenda much more to show the public there is a choice and a difference between the parties. However Corbyn would move the party dramatically to the left, leaving room for the Conservatives to control the centre and right of politics. This is something that they are already looking to activate with the talk of one nation Conservatives and the party of the working people.....no matter how ridiculous that sounds.

If Labour is to win in 2020 votes must be gained from UKIP and Greens, it would not be enough for Labour to simply take from the Green party or the much maligned Lib Dems. No matter how much I might agree with what Corbyn says and his beliefs, the fact of the matter is the public are a wide variety of people, beliefs and opinions, taking the party to one side of the argument is unlikely to win enough votes to regain power.

The Way to Win?

I am no electioneer or strategist, as much as I'd like to be, but I believe it does not require a dramatic change for Labour to win in 2020. In England Labour's share of the vote increased and I believe showing a bit more opposition and difference in policy, particularly towards the need for austerity, would win further votes. Showing a willingness to tackle tax avoidance and the massive gap in equality would be another vote winner and show a difference to the Conservatives.

Crucially the next four years should be spent changing public opinion that Labour caused the financial crash, that lie needs to be addressed in a large way and Labour needs to stand up to the Tory fear and lies strategies.

As much as I admire Corbyn for his policies and strongly held beliefs I do not think he is right for the leader of the party because he plays straight in to the Conservative stereotyping and affords them the chance to grasp the centre ground of politics. I believe this is what Blair and co. have been trying to point out albeit in the worst possible, heavy handed way. I would therefore give my backing to Andy Burnham for leader and Tom Watson as deputy.

Whether you agree or disagree with me I would love if you share my blog, post a comment and spark a discussion. At the end of the day many who read this I'm sure want a Labour government and have the party's best interests at heart.