Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has won his seat in the UK parliament after running as an independent in the recent general election.
Corbyn, who represented Islington North as an MP since 1983, garnered 24,120 votes, surpassing his Labour rival Praful Nargund, who received 16,873 votes. Voter turnout in the constituency was 67.5%, down 4% from 2019.
Corbyn, known for his advocacy of Palestinian rights, led Labour from 2015 to 2020 but was removed from his position and suspended due to his response to allegations of anti-Semitism within the party. He has maintained that these claims were exaggerated for political reasons, while supporters argue he was targeted by party rivals for his anti-austerity and anti-war stance.
Earlier this year, Corbyn’s successor, Keir Starmer, barred him from representing Labour in the election. Corbyn was officially expelled from the party in May after announcing his independent candidacy.
After securing his victory, Corbyn stated that the people of Islington North, by electing him for the 11th time, have shown the benefits of “kinder, gentler, more sensible, and more inclusive politics.” He expressed pride in his constituency and his team’s success.
Despite Nargund’s loss, Labour achieved a significant victory over the Conservatives, securing its first election win since 2005 with an estimated 412 seats and a substantial parliamentary majority.
When asked about Starmer’s potential as Prime Minister, Corbyn responded, “Well, let’s see what happens.” He criticized Labour’s manifesto as “thin” and lacking a serious economic alternative to the Conservative government’s policies, suggesting that Starmer faces significant challenges.
Corbyn expressed concern about the potential for political problems if Starmer does not increase spending on social needs, emphasizing the growing demands from the public.