Jeremy Corbyn supporters seize control of Labour’s ruling body in election sweep as Eddie Izzard loses out in a hammer blow to party moderates
Momentum faction won all six seats up for grabs on its National Executive Committee in a clean sweep
CORBYNITES seized control over Labour’s ruling body last night in a hammer blow to moderates who want to oust party leader.
The pro-Jeremy Corbyn Momentum faction won all six seats up for grabs on the National Executive Committee in a clean sweep - paving the way for a purge of centre-left MPs and officials.
Labour moderates fear last night’s vote will end hopes leadership challenger Owen Smith can defeat the veteran leftie.
And they believe his supporters will gain control of the NEC, eventually taking over the party machine.
The most high profile candidate – Eddie Izzard – failed to secure a seat.
The comedian, who finished eighth in the race for six places, tweeted to say: “Obviously disappointed not to get elected to Labour's NEC but I'm in this for the long haul.
“I will carry on being an activist!”
He added: And thanks to all the people who voted for me. I will continue to keep heading forwards.”
Those elected were Ann Black, Christine Shawcroft, Claudia Webbe, Darren Williams, Rhea Wolfson and Peter Willsman.
Last night a spokesman for Jeremy’s leadership campaign, said:”This result clearly shows that there is a desire for real and genuine change in our party under the continued leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, but we are not going to take anything for granted and we will be campaigning for every vote in the leadership contest.”
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It was the second boost of the day for Mr Corbyn, after a High Court ruling said more than 100,000 new party members should be allowed to vote in the leadership election.
A judge ruled in favour of five supporters who accused Labour's NEC of unlawfully "freezing" them out of the contest. despite them having "paid their dues".
The NEC had decided full members would not be able to vote if they had not had at least six months' continuous membership up to July 12.
The decision to overturn the ruling is seen as a major boost for Mr Corbyn, as many of those who signed up to vote in the contest since January were his supporters.
Bookmakers seemed to agree, immediately .
But party officials intend to mount a legal challenge in order to "defend the NEC's right" to uphold Labour's rules, with an appeal hearing expected to take place on Thursday.
Mr Corbyn's allies urged the party to abandon the legal action, stating members' money should not be used to try to stop them from voting.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell, chairman of his leadership campaign, said when people joined they were told "very clearly" they would be able to vote in the contest, and "to deny them that democratic right flies against all the traditions of our party".