Labour leader Corbyn cornered; May to block Boris as UK PM
LONDON: As the Brexit vote continued to rock British politics on Monday, a renewed exodus from Labour’ s shadow cabinet and the deputy leader joining the rebels further cornered party chief Jeremy Corbyn, while home secretary Theresa May appeared set to challenge Boris Johnson for the prime minister’s post.
Under fire for not providing the required leadership during the EU referendum, Corbyn faced more resignations from his shadow cabinet. Deputy leader Tom Watson turned the screws further by conveying to Corbyn that he had lost the confidence of the parliamentary party.
Watson said it was for Corbyn to reflect on his position and resign, but if he did not, he would face a “bruising” leadership contest. Labour’s woes prompted much dismay at a time when a strong opposition is needed to challenge the Conservative government in the post-Brexit scenario. As opposition to Johnson continued, May was scheduled to announce this week her candidature for the post of the Conservative leader, who will take over as prime minister after David Cameron steps down in October. Less seen during the campaign, she was on the Remain side but has often spoken against the EU.
Johnson presented a vision of a Brexit government in his Monday column in The Daily Telegraph, in which he sounded conciliatory and insisted Britain would not be any less European outside the European Union.
The star of the Leave campaign wrote: “There were more than 16 million who wanted to remain. They are our neighbours, brothers and sisters who did what they passionately believe was right. In a democracy majorities may decide but everyone is of equal value.”