Momentum calls off pro-Corbyn rally

Momentum have postponed a pro-Corbyn rally planned for tonight as the uncertainty around the Labour leadership continues.

The Corbynite group said they had been “overwhelmed” by supporters wanting to attend and that it would not be safe to hold the gathering at the planned location outside the TUC’s Congress House.

The event had been due to call on Labour members to “keep the new politics alive” by pressuring senior figures in the Labour movement to support Corbyn. However, they have now cancelled the event saying they have received too many confirmations to make it practical to put on the event.

There is no re-arranged date yet confirmed.

The left-wing group has invoked Corbyn’s mandate from Labour members, labelling efforts to remove him as “shocking”.

The faction had invited supporters to participate in a discussion with trade union leaders, MPs and activists in order to consider future direction of the Party.

Union leaders are largely pro-Corbyn and the Unite General Secretary Len McCluskey said MPs’ resignations from the frontbench had “achieved nothing” except divert attention from a Conservative Party in crisis.

Leaders from Unite, Unison, GMB and CWU unions are meeting today in order to discuss the state of labour leadership. So far unions have backed Corbyn, with many releasing statements in support so far this week

It comes two days after Momentum organised the huge Keep Corbyn demonstration on Monday night, at which frontbenchers John McDonnell, Diane Abbott called for other MPs to unite behind Corbyn. The event was attended by thousands, many of whom chanted “Corbyn in, Blairites out” throughout the event, although the crowd also included members of the Socialist Workers’ Party.

Corbyn’s grassroots support has seen a corresponding surge in activity with one of the JeremyCorbyn4PM graphics being shared by 26,000 people on facebook. The pro-Corbyn social media operation has had a 165% increase in support during the recent crisis, reaching nearly 3 million since 21 June.