Prescott and Field become latest figures to call for Corbyn to reach ballot

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has become the latest Labour figure to put his support behind the campaign to get Jeremy Corbyn on the leadership ballot paper. In his Sunday Mirror column today, Lord Prescott says that while he does not agree with Corbyn, he feels it is important for “the soul of the party” that members get a chance to vote for him.

Prescott writes:

“I may not agree with a lot that left-winger Jeremy Corbyn says. But it’s important in this debate for the soul of the party that members get to vote on his views.

That’s why I hope Labour MPs lend Corbyn their votes to get them on the leadership ballot.”

He also used the opportunity to call for Stella Creasy to get on the deputy leadership ballot – but Prescott is supporting the Walthamstow MP, who is currently 16 nominations short, in that race.

Writing for the Mail on Sunday, Labour MP Frank Field has given his similar explanation for nominating Corbyn, saying that his views are “held sincerely” by some members and deserve to be tested in the debate.

The former minister writes:

“The leadership election rules minimise the debate we need and reinforce the image that we’re in the pockets of the trade unions. How come? Contenders must be nominated by 35 MPs, a high hurdle that prevents us having the spread of candidates needed to reflect the views of the party and voters. That’s why I have nominated Left-wing MP Jeremy Corbyn – not because I support his views on opposing cuts of any kind – but because those views are held sincerely by some party members and should be tested.”

That two big figures in the party who are not from the same wing as Corbyn have made interventions on his behalf will be a boost for the Islington MP’s chances of making the nominations threshold. It is thought he needs the backing of 11 more MPs before the deadline tomorrow.