This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2017/apr/24/corbyn-may-farron-sturgeon

The article has changed 26 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 17 Version 18
General election: Sturgeon says PM called early poll because of worries over electoral fraud charges - Politics live General election: Sturgeon says PM called early poll because of worries over electoral fraud charges - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
5.11pm BST
17:11
Farron says Labour's Kate Hoey is effectively 'Ukip's candidate in Vauxhall'
Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader, has been in Vauxhall in south London this afternoon. Vauxhall is a safe Labour seat where Kate Hoey had 54% of the vote and a majority of 12,708 over the Conservatives at the last election. The Lib Dems were fourth, behind the Greens, with just 7% of the vote.
But, according to the academic Chris Hanretty’s analysis, Vauxhall was the one of the most pro-remain constituencies in the UK, with 78% of people voting against leaving the EU. Yet Hoey was a very prominent leave supporter. That is why the Lib Dems think they have a chance.
In his speech Farron highlighted the fact that Paul Nuttall used his interview with Andrew Marr yesterday (pdf) to name Kate Hoey as one of the strongly pro-Brexit MPs that Ukip may decide not to challenge. Farron said:
We stand here in Vauxhall. And you talk about opposition. One of the opposition parties over the weekend decided to back another of the opposition parties. You might have seen Paul Nuttall on the television on Sunday morning saying that Ukip’s candidate here in Vauxhall is basically going to be Kate Hoey.
The reality is that we have, if you like, a coalition of chaos - the Conservatives, Labour and Ukip all lined up backing the hardest of all Brexits, exit from the single market, cutting off all our ties with our friends and neighbours in Europe, despite those things never being on the ballot paper. We say the British people can choose a different future.
Farron also said that Lib Dem membership passed the 100,000 threshold this morning.
4.44pm BST
16:44
Severin Carrell
Nicola Sturgeon has alleged that Theresa May called the snap election in part because she feared that numerous Tory MPs would be prosecuted for fraud over their election expenses, claiming the Tories may have “bought” the 2015 election.
Speaking at the Scottish TUC conference in Aviemore, Sturgeon said:
[This election was] called by the prime minister last week for one purpose and one purpose only - to strengthen the grip of the Tory party and crush dissent, and opposition.
And to do so before possible criminal prosecutions for alleged expenses fraud at the last election catches up with her.
And whatever else happens in this election we should not allow the Tory party to escape the accountability for any misdeamours that may have led to them buying the last general election.
The Crown Prosecution Service is considering police reports from 12 forces on the election claims of up to 20 Tory MPs, while the Conservatives have a working majority at Westminster of 17 seats. No one in the party has yet been charged with any offence. Some critics believe May in part wanted to secure a heftier majority to guard against her majority being chipped away by byelection defeats.
But this is difficult ground for Sturgeon: two former Scottish National party MPs have already had to sit as independents after police launched enquiries into their financial affairs.
Michelle Thomson in Edinburgh West and Natalie McGarry in Glasgow East, both of whom deny any wrongdoing, were barred from standing again by the SNP on Saturday.
McGarry has been charged with fraud and Thomson named in a police report to prosecutors into alleged mortgage frauds, but has not been charged. The Lib Dems believe they have a strong chance of winning back Edinburgh West as a result.
4.31pm BST4.31pm BST
16:3116:31
YouGov poll suggests Tories on course to win majority of Welsh seats for first time since 1850sYouGov poll suggests Tories on course to win majority of Welsh seats for first time since 1850s
Prof Roger Scully has written a good analysis of the YouGov Welsh voting poll (see 4.22pm) on his Cardiff University Elections in Wales blog. He says that, if these figures were to be replicated at a general election, the Conservatives would have 21 Welsh seats and Labour 15. He says the Tories have not had a majority of Welsh seats since the 1850s.Prof Roger Scully has written a good analysis of the YouGov Welsh voting poll (see 4.22pm) on his Cardiff University Elections in Wales blog. He says that, if these figures were to be replicated at a general election, the Conservatives would have 21 Welsh seats and Labour 15. He says the Tories have not had a majority of Welsh seats since the 1850s.
Here’s an extract.Here’s an extract.
The huge leap in the Tory rating since our last poll has come mostly at the expense of Ukip. The headline figures in our poll seem to reflect a direct move by many former Ukip supporters into the Conservative ranks: very nearly two-thirds of all our respondents who voted Ukip in the 2015 general election now say that they intend to support the Tories. Theresa May’s gamble of seeking a mandate for Brexit from the British people appears to have particular appeal to many of these voters. While Ukip seem to be on the slide in Wales, the other parties are stagnant. Plaid Cymru will presumably be pleased that the Tory surge has not eaten into their support, and they do start the general election campaign a percentage point or two better off than they did at the equivalent point two years ago. For the Liberal Democrats, this first Welsh poll of the election must be a disappointment – they show little signs of recovery from their disastrous 2015 general election performance in Wales. Much more will be needed from the Lib-Dems if they are to win back some of the votes and seats that they lost last time.The huge leap in the Tory rating since our last poll has come mostly at the expense of Ukip. The headline figures in our poll seem to reflect a direct move by many former Ukip supporters into the Conservative ranks: very nearly two-thirds of all our respondents who voted Ukip in the 2015 general election now say that they intend to support the Tories. Theresa May’s gamble of seeking a mandate for Brexit from the British people appears to have particular appeal to many of these voters. While Ukip seem to be on the slide in Wales, the other parties are stagnant. Plaid Cymru will presumably be pleased that the Tory surge has not eaten into their support, and they do start the general election campaign a percentage point or two better off than they did at the equivalent point two years ago. For the Liberal Democrats, this first Welsh poll of the election must be a disappointment – they show little signs of recovery from their disastrous 2015 general election performance in Wales. Much more will be needed from the Lib-Dems if they are to win back some of the votes and seats that they lost last time.
Following the standard method of projecting poll results into seat outcomes – that is, assuming uniform national swings from the 2015 general election – our latest poll implies the following overall result. (Projected changes from the 2015 result are in brackets):Following the standard method of projecting poll results into seat outcomes – that is, assuming uniform national swings from the 2015 general election – our latest poll implies the following overall result. (Projected changes from the 2015 result are in brackets):
Conservatives: 21 seats (+10)Conservatives: 21 seats (+10)
Labour: 15 seats (-10)Labour: 15 seats (-10)
Plaid Cymru: 3 seats (no change)Plaid Cymru: 3 seats (no change)
Liberal Democrats: 1 seat (no change)Liberal Democrats: 1 seat (no change)
Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats are projected, by this poll, to hold the seats they currently have but make no gains. Sensationally, however, a full ten seats are projected to be gained by the Conservatives from Labour. The ten seats are: Alyn and Deeside, Bridgend, Cardiff South and Penarth, Cardiff West, Clwyd South, Delyn, Newport East, Newport West, Wrexham, and Ynys Mon.Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats are projected, by this poll, to hold the seats they currently have but make no gains. Sensationally, however, a full ten seats are projected to be gained by the Conservatives from Labour. The ten seats are: Alyn and Deeside, Bridgend, Cardiff South and Penarth, Cardiff West, Clwyd South, Delyn, Newport East, Newport West, Wrexham, and Ynys Mon.
Were any such result to be produced on June 8th this would obviously be a big shift from the 2015 result in Wales. But it would also be a result of long-term historic significance. The Conservatives have not won a majority of Welsh seats at a general election since the 1850s – before the era of mass democracy. Labour have won the most votes and the most seats in Wales at every general election from 1922 onwards; and have won an absolute majority of Welsh seats in the last twenty successive general elections (from 1935 on). For the Conservatives potentially to be in a position not merely to finish ahead of Labour but even to win over half the seats in Wales indicates that we are on the brink of something truly seismic. And Labour seem to be facing a defeat of historic magnitude: even in the disastrous 1983 election under Michael Foot, things were never this bad.Were any such result to be produced on June 8th this would obviously be a big shift from the 2015 result in Wales. But it would also be a result of long-term historic significance. The Conservatives have not won a majority of Welsh seats at a general election since the 1850s – before the era of mass democracy. Labour have won the most votes and the most seats in Wales at every general election from 1922 onwards; and have won an absolute majority of Welsh seats in the last twenty successive general elections (from 1935 on). For the Conservatives potentially to be in a position not merely to finish ahead of Labour but even to win over half the seats in Wales indicates that we are on the brink of something truly seismic. And Labour seem to be facing a defeat of historic magnitude: even in the disastrous 1983 election under Michael Foot, things were never this bad.
4.22pm BST4.22pm BST
16:2216:22
YouGov poll suggests Tories have a 10-point lead over Labour in WalesYouGov poll suggests Tories have a 10-point lead over Labour in Wales
YouGov has released a poll showing the Conservatives ahead of Labour in Wales.YouGov has released a poll showing the Conservatives ahead of Labour in Wales.
Latest Westminster voting intention (WALES)Con 40Lab 30PC 13LD 8UKIP 6Oth 3First time YouGov has ever had the Tories ahead in Wales pic.twitter.com/tLuZak3MsbLatest Westminster voting intention (WALES)Con 40Lab 30PC 13LD 8UKIP 6Oth 3First time YouGov has ever had the Tories ahead in Wales pic.twitter.com/tLuZak3Msb
It is the first time YouGov has ever had the Tories ahead in Wales. And YouGov is a relatively new pollster. As the academic Roger Scully explains in this useful New Statesman article, Labour has won the most votes in Wales at every general election since 1922.It is the first time YouGov has ever had the Tories ahead in Wales. And YouGov is a relatively new pollster. As the academic Roger Scully explains in this useful New Statesman article, Labour has won the most votes in Wales at every general election since 1922.
4.11pm BST4.11pm BST
16:1116:11
I’m afraid we closed the comments on the blog because, with the headline flagging up a story featuring Ukip, Islamophobia and FGM, the blog was attracting a disproportionate number of comments that broke our community standards.I’m afraid we closed the comments on the blog because, with the headline flagging up a story featuring Ukip, Islamophobia and FGM, the blog was attracting a disproportionate number of comments that broke our community standards.
It is possible that we may be able to open them again later.It is possible that we may be able to open them again later.
4.08pm BST4.08pm BST
16:0816:08
Here is the key quote from Nicola Sturgeon about Theresa May calling an early election partly to pre-empt possible electoral fraud prosecutions.Here is the key quote from Nicola Sturgeon about Theresa May calling an early election partly to pre-empt possible electoral fraud prosecutions.
Bold. Sturgeon suggests Theresa May called the election before alleged Tory election fraud in 2015 could catch up with her. pic.twitter.com/H0SRikIO34Bold. Sturgeon suggests Theresa May called the election before alleged Tory election fraud in 2015 could catch up with her. pic.twitter.com/H0SRikIO34
3.57pm BST3.57pm BST
15:5715:57
Sturgeon claims May called early election partly because she is worried about Tories facing election fraud charges from 2015Sturgeon claims May called early election partly because she is worried about Tories facing election fraud charges from 2015
Sturgeon claims that one of the reasons why Theresa May called a snap election was her fear that Tories would be charged in relation to alleged election fraud in 2015.Sturgeon claims that one of the reasons why Theresa May called a snap election was her fear that Tories would be charged in relation to alleged election fraud in 2015.
Sturgeon claims May called early election partly because she is worried about Tories facing election fraud charges from 2015.Sturgeon claims May called early election partly because she is worried about Tories facing election fraud charges from 2015.
3.51pm BST3.51pm BST
15:5115:51
Nicola Sturgeon speaks to STUCNicola Sturgeon speaks to STUC
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, is speaking to the STUC now.Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, is speaking to the STUC now.
She says unions play a vital role. Some politician, and some in the media, say governments should not have strong relationships with the unions.She says unions play a vital role. Some politician, and some in the media, say governments should not have strong relationships with the unions.
Sturgeon says she thinks that is wrong.Sturgeon says she thinks that is wrong.
3.48pm BST3.48pm BST
15:4815:48
Commenting on what Jeremy Corbyn and Sir Michael Fallon have been saying about Trident, Jonathan Bartley, the Green party’s co-leader, said the policies of both main parties on nuclear weapons were flawed. He said:Commenting on what Jeremy Corbyn and Sir Michael Fallon have been saying about Trident, Jonathan Bartley, the Green party’s co-leader, said the policies of both main parties on nuclear weapons were flawed. He said:
Voters are being offered a choice between Tory first strike fanaticisms and Labour’s HMS Pointless. What could be more immoral than considering a first use of nuclear weapons, knowing full well that it would lead to the death of countless civilians? And what could be more illogical that pledging to renew a multibillion pound nuclear weapons system that will never be used? With people struggling to get by in Britain it’s inexcusable to be ploughing people’s money into this cold war relic.Voters are being offered a choice between Tory first strike fanaticisms and Labour’s HMS Pointless. What could be more immoral than considering a first use of nuclear weapons, knowing full well that it would lead to the death of countless civilians? And what could be more illogical that pledging to renew a multibillion pound nuclear weapons system that will never be used? With people struggling to get by in Britain it’s inexcusable to be ploughing people’s money into this cold war relic.
Instead of replacing this nuclear monstrosity the Green party would give the NHS an emergency kiss of life. People are being treated in corridors while we flush money away on nuclear weapons. Cancelling Trident would give our NHS more than £3bn per year – which must be added to additional funding from raising taxes. Real security means having a world class health service, not locking ourselves into replacing these weapons we’ll never use. Imagine the impact on our NHS of employing 85,000 more nurses, midwives and health professionals – that’s what is at stake here.Instead of replacing this nuclear monstrosity the Green party would give the NHS an emergency kiss of life. People are being treated in corridors while we flush money away on nuclear weapons. Cancelling Trident would give our NHS more than £3bn per year – which must be added to additional funding from raising taxes. Real security means having a world class health service, not locking ourselves into replacing these weapons we’ll never use. Imagine the impact on our NHS of employing 85,000 more nurses, midwives and health professionals – that’s what is at stake here.
3.41pm BST3.41pm BST
15:4115:41
Steven MorrisSteven Morris
The leader of Labour in Wales has warned that Jeremy Corbyn has a lot of work to do to convince people he will make a good prime minister.The leader of Labour in Wales has warned that Jeremy Corbyn has a lot of work to do to convince people he will make a good prime minister.
Carwyn Jones, the Welsh first minister, told the Guardian that Labour had a mountain to climb to hang on to its share of seats in Wales, a traditional stronghold for the party.Carwyn Jones, the Welsh first minister, told the Guardian that Labour had a mountain to climb to hang on to its share of seats in Wales, a traditional stronghold for the party.
Making his first visit on the general election campaign trail, Jones expressed concern that unless the Tories were checked they would try to “walk all over” the Celtic nations.Making his first visit on the general election campaign trail, Jones expressed concern that unless the Tories were checked they would try to “walk all over” the Celtic nations.
There is growing concern among Labour in Wales that Corbyn is not playing well on the doorstep and could lead to seats being lost. At last year’s assembly elections Welsh Labour managed to put clear water between itself and the UK-wide party and held on to power in Cardiff. At a general election it is much harder to repeat the trick.There is growing concern among Labour in Wales that Corbyn is not playing well on the doorstep and could lead to seats being lost. At last year’s assembly elections Welsh Labour managed to put clear water between itself and the UK-wide party and held on to power in Cardiff. At a general election it is much harder to repeat the trick.
Jones said:Jones said:
It is clear Jeremy has work to do to convince people he is a leader. He knows that and over the next few weeks he has to show people he is a good candidate for prime minister.It is clear Jeremy has work to do to convince people he is a leader. He knows that and over the next few weeks he has to show people he is a good candidate for prime minister.
Asked if he personally thought Corbyn was a good candidate, Jones said:Asked if he personally thought Corbyn was a good candidate, Jones said:
From the public’s perspective they haven’t seen his best side yet. I’ve gone round with Jeremy on the doorstep; I’ve gone round town centres with him. He’s not someone that puts people off when they meet him. Far from it. It’s the exact opposite. I think he just needs to do more of that, going around, meeting people, listening and I think people will be impressed by what they hear.From the public’s perspective they haven’t seen his best side yet. I’ve gone round with Jeremy on the doorstep; I’ve gone round town centres with him. He’s not someone that puts people off when they meet him. Far from it. It’s the exact opposite. I think he just needs to do more of that, going around, meeting people, listening and I think people will be impressed by what they hear.
Corbyn has faced criticism over defence, particularly Trident.Corbyn has faced criticism over defence, particularly Trident.
Jones said:Jones said:
One of the things you have to do in leadership is give a straight answer. Otherwise people will interpret your answer in many different ways. My answer is quite simply, yes, we do replace Trident.One of the things you have to do in leadership is give a straight answer. Otherwise people will interpret your answer in many different ways. My answer is quite simply, yes, we do replace Trident.
It’s hugely important as a party that you are able to convince people you are going to keep them secure. Trident is a deterrent. It doesn’t keep us secure against terrorism. That’s why it’s so important that we need to bolster our armed forces to meet the immediate threat that exists in Europe at the moment.It’s hugely important as a party that you are able to convince people you are going to keep them secure. Trident is a deterrent. It doesn’t keep us secure against terrorism. That’s why it’s so important that we need to bolster our armed forces to meet the immediate threat that exists in Europe at the moment.
Welsh 1st minister Carwyn Jones on the campaign trail for Labour in Swansea. pic.twitter.com/LUra3uWfljWelsh 1st minister Carwyn Jones on the campaign trail for Labour in Swansea. pic.twitter.com/LUra3uWflj
3.32pm BST
15:32
Here is Sir Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, being interviewed by a TV crew earlier today on a visit to Bristol.
3.27pm BST
15:27
Sturgeon challenges Corbyn to 'have courage of his convictions' and rule out Trident replacement
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has said Jeremy Corbyn should “have the guts” to rule out replacing Trident or face continued charges it is too weak for government.
Corbyn refused to commit the UK Labour party to either retaining the deterrent or scrapping it if it won the election. The Scottish Labour party, in contrast, voted last year to campaign against its renewal.
Speaking to BBC Scotland before a speech to the Scottish Trade Union Congress in Aviemore on Monday, Sturgeon said:
Labour on Trident is as confused as Labour is on so many other issues. That gets to the heart of Labour’s lack of credibility as an alternative government.
The SNP opposes Trident, not just in principle, but at a time when our public services and the vulnerable in our society are under so much pressure, spending tens of billions of pounds on weapons of mass destruction is the wrong choice.
Labour should have the guts to simply say that. It’s what we’re told Jeremy Corbyn believes so he should have the courage of his convictions and say it.
3.08pm BST
15:08
Severin Carrell
Ian Davidson, the veteran Labour MP from Glasgow, is expected to contest one of the Conservative’s top target seats in the next general election.
Davidson said he had thrown his hat in the ring to stand for Scottish Labour in Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk - a former Lib Dem seat won by the Scottish National party’s Calum Kerr.
Kerr is defending the smallest Westminster majority in Scotland - of just 328 votes over the Tories, making it the Conservatives top target seat north of the border. The SNP will be concerned Davidson could split the anti-Tory vote in the area.
Scottish Labour’s executive is meeting later today to discuss its candidates: with only one sitting MP it must find 58 people to contest every Scottish seat.
After several decades as a Glasgow MP, Davidson said he was born in the Borders - he said he was keen to “defeat other candidates who don’t have the best interests of the people at heart. Labour’s policy of a £10 minimum wage would make an enormous financial difference in the area.”
Updated
at 3.08pm BST
3.04pm BST
15:04
As I said earlier, the endorsement from the Communist party of Britain is worth almost nothing to Labour in terms of votes. (See 1.47pm.) But the Tories find it very useful. Conservative HQ has put out this statement from the Tory MP Amanda Milling.
Let this sink in: Jeremy Corbyn has been endorsed today by a party who want to close down businesses, leave the protection of NATO and hike up taxes to a level never seen before in this country.
2.46pm BST
14:46
Jeremy Corbyn probably got a shock when he arrived in Aviemore for his STUC speech. It has been snowing up there.
2.24pm BST
14:24
Lunchtime summary
The Ukip leader Paul Nuttall has given his strongest hint yet that he may not stand in the June election, as the party launched an Islam-focused policy blitz which also suggested mandatory medical checks for girls at risk of female genital mutilation. You can read the Ukip integration policy agenda here.
Sir Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, has said that the government would consider the first use of nuclear weapons and claimed that Jeremy Corbyn would be a “security risk” because of his opposition to the nuclear deterrent. (See 8.22am.) In a subsequent interview on the Daily Politics Nia Griffith, the shadow defence secretary, played down the significance of Corbyn’s personal views on this, saying Labour as a party was prepared to use the nuclear weapons. She said:
We are a team, we are a party, we are working as a party. And this is not a presidential election. This is an election about who is in government and this is an election between political parties.
Asked how Trident could be a deterrent if Corbyn has said he would not use nuclear weapons, she said:
I think it is very important that we are absolutely clear that we are prepared to use it, and I’m certainly prepared to use it. I also think it’s very important that we are very clear that you deal with countries and potential enemies by being clear from the outset that you are prepared to use force, that you have force to back up negotiations. Nobody wants to use force as a first option. Everybody wants to negotiate first ... But if you have the option of force - conventional forces initially, but you have the ultimate deterrent as well - then you are far more likely to sustain peace and security at the end of the day.
When it was put to Griffith that Corbyn has said he would not use nuclear weapons, and that as prime minister it would be up to him, she said that in his Andrew Marr interview yesterday Corbyn had only ruled out first strike use of nuclear weapons. (Griffith is right to say that Corbyn only firmly ruled out first use of nuclear weapons in the interview, but he sounded like someone exceedingly reluctant to use them in any circumstances. And in the past Corbyn has ruled out any use of nuclear weapons.)
Corbyn has described trade unionists as “heroes” in a speech to the STUC celebrating Labour’s relationship with the union movement. He said:
It is trade unions that have driven up wages and living standards, health and safety in the workplace, and challenged prejudice and discrimination
And it is unions that have worked with ourselves in the Labour party to transform our society, to offer the opportunities to our people that so many of our forefathers and especially our foremothers unfortunately did not enjoy themselves.
They are our heroes. It was our predecessors who suffered exploitation in the workplace and wider society, and it was they who were not prepared to stand idly by, who instead chose to fight back and win many of the gains that we enjoy today.
Our NHS, our social security safety net, our education system and so much more were won on the shoulders of these giants in the Labour and trade union movement and none of us should ever forget that ...
The Labour party will always cherish, sustain and protect our relationship with the Trade Union movement and the working people you represent. You are our DNA, you are our family, and we will never, ever apologise for the closeness of our relationship with you.
Friends just like Keir Hardie, I am proud to be a trade unionist and I carry my card everywhere I go.
Updated
at 3.38pm BST
1.57pm BST
13:57
The Lib Dems have accused Ukip of trying to “out-do Le Pen” with its plan to force girls at risk of FGM to undergo an annual medical examination. (See 11.40am.) This is from Lynne Featherstone, the former Home Office minister who campaigned on FGM. She said.
Ukip’s approach is horrifically heavy-handed and will alienate the very communities we are trying to reach out to. We should be training our teachers and other providers such as community experts to identify those at risk and teaching children themselves that FGM is wrong and to come forward if they fear for themselves or a friend.
In coalition, we put a statutory duty on frontline workers to report concerns of FGM - we need them to have the confidence to do so, and this means better training. Research shows that school teachers are still too scared to talk about FGM, honour-based violence and forced marriage, let alone report it. This is where we should concentrate our efforts not forcing girls to undergo invasive medical examinations.
Ukip seem to try and out-do Le Pen with right-wing policies that are insensitive and frankly outrageous.
1.47pm BST
13:47
The Communist party of Britain is saying that, for the first time since 1920, it is not fielding candidates in the general election. Instead it will be backing Labour. In a statement its general secretary Robert Griffiths said:
In every general election since the formation of the CP in 1920, we have stood our own candidates, not least in 2015 when we fielded nine. Now, on this occasion, we will not contest any seats, although this does not signal any withdrawal from the electoral arena in the future.
We call for a Labour vote in every constituency across Britain, despite the reactionary views of numerous Labour party candidates. Communist party organisations will approach local Labour party bodies in their area with offers of practical campaigning assistance ...
The maximum possible Labour vote is necessary not only to secure the election of a Labour government. We also recognise that this election marks a further intensification of the left-right struggle within the labour movement and the Labour party. The higher the Labour vote and the number of Labour MPs elected, the more secure will be the position of Jeremy Corbyn and his left allies in the parliamentary Labour party.
Any reverses for Labour will be used as a pretext by the right-wing pro-EU, pro-NATO faction in the parliamentary Labour party and its trade union allies to launch yet another bid to remove Jeremy Corbyn and take the Labour party back to the neoliberal and pro-war policies of the past.
The Communist party’s decision to stand aside is unlikely to be of much use to Labour. According to the Guardian’s 2015 results charts, the party received just 275 votes across the whole of the UK in that election.
1.33pm BST
13:33
The SNP is challenging Scottish Labour to rule out council coalitions with the Conservatives after next month’s local elections. Susan Aitken, co-convenor of the SNP’s council campaign, said:
The SNP is absolutely clear – we will not put austerity-obsessed Tories into power in councils across Scotland. The public deserve to know whether a vote for Labour is a vote to put the increasingly rightwing Tories in charge of our local services.
The Tory party is moving further and further to the right, and it would be reckless to do anything that risked putting hard line Tories in charge of our schools, social care and local housing.
Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister and SNP leader, refused to rule out SNP/Conservative coalitions in local government when she launched the SNP’s campaign last week, although, after an SNP national executive committee meeting on Saturday, the party did rule out deals with the Tories.
1.27pm BST
13:27
Zac Goldsmith, whose political career seemed to be over when he lost the Richmond Park byelection in December, wants to fight the seat again for the Conservatives, the Evening Standard reports.
Goldsmith had a 23,015 majority when he stood as a Tory in 2015. But he left the party and fought a byelection as an independent, honouring a promise he had made, after the government came out in favour of a third runway at Heathrow. The Conservatives did not put up a candidate in the contest, but not having the support of a party machine harmed Goldsmith’s prospects and Richmond Park voters, who were firmly pro-remain, used the byelection to punish him for backing Brexit. The Lib Dem Sarah Olney won with a majority of 1,872.