Labour leadership race: Party gives positive reaction to Corbyn’s candidacy
Many politicians and commentators from across the political spectrum have welcomed the addition of Jeremy Corbyn to the Labour leadership race, standing on a "clear anti-austerity platform".
As Corbyn announced his candidacy on Wednesday, he said:
This decision to stand is in response to an overwhelming call by Labour members who want to see a broader range of candidates and a thorough debate about the future of the party. I am standing to give Labour party members a voice in this debate.
In the first day on his campaign to muster the necessary support of 35 MPs, Corbyn has been backed by three: Jon Trickett, Clive Lewis and John McDonnell.
Upon announcing his support for Corbyn, Lewis said that the debate required greater "depth and breadth".
Yes I'm supporting @jeremycorbyn. Our membership needs a broad debate that ensures the depth and breadth of our parties views are engaged
— Clive Lewis MP (@labourlewis) June 3, 2015
Read more: Here's how the Labour leadership race is stacking up
Among his other supporters was Ken Livingstone, who said that Corbyn's record on opposing the Iraq war and his links to the unions made him a good candidate.
I am delighted that Jeremy Corbyn is seeking to run for leader. For the union link, anti-war, internationalist, anti-racist, anti-austerity
— Ken Livingstone (@ken4london) June 4, 2015
Owen Jones, left-wing columnist, said that Corbyn needed to be nominated for the ballot in order to have a "genuine leadership debate about policy".
Want a Labour contest where candidates basically agree, or a real debate about policy? Please encourage Labour MPs to nominate @jeremycorbyn
— Owen Jones (@OwenJones84) June 3, 2015
Some on the right of politics also announced their support for Corbyn. Ukip MP Douglas Carswell urged people to "please" let Corbyn win – or "failing that, Andy".
Andy Burnham and Jeremy Corbyn are seen to be the more pro-union candidates in the tight race. Carswell used the hashtag #DisplaceLabour in his tweet, implying that he believed that another leader to the left of the party would make them unelectable.
https://twitter.com/DouglasCarswell/status/606210549425270787