Jeremy Corbyn announces he’s standing to be Labour leader

Jeremy Corbyn has announced he is standing to be leader of the Labour Party.

The Islington North MP told the Islington Tribune:

“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”.

He has also said he’s standing on a “clear anti-austerity platform”.

Corbyn’s announcement will please Labour members on the left of the party who have been frustrated by Ian Lavery and Jon Trickett’s decisions not to run.

However, given that Andy Burnham has more than 50 MPs nominating him, and Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall are expected to pass the 35 MP threshold soon, it could prove difficult for Corybn to make it onto the ballot.

So far he has the backing of three MPs: Jon Trickett, John McDonnell and Clive Lewis.

Corbyn has said he’s putting his name in the mix “to see if there is enough support to have a stab at it…We are taking it step by step, and if we get on the ballot paper that’s a good start.”

Corbyn has been an MP since 1983. He is chair of the Stop the War Coalition and vice-chair of CND.