Their band name is a reference to someone who has lost their job but UB40 have swung behind Jeremy Corbyn in an attempt to keep him on as Labour leader.
The legendary British reggae band have backed Corbyn’s campaign and praised him for his “incorruptible” public image.
It is the latest endorsement from the arts for Corbyn, who unveiled a series of pledges to boost British culture last month, and is increasingly confident of a resounding win against challenger Owen Smith.
UB40 have sold more than 70 million records since they were founded in Birmingham at the end of the 1970s. Their announcement prompted confusion, however, because there are today two versions of the band which have been locked in dispute over the use of the UB40 name – while commentators drew parallels with the splits over Corbyn’s leadership in the Parliamentary Labour Party.
Corbyn’s campaign issued a statement signed by three members of the band – Robin Campbell, Jimmy Brown and Brian Travers – which said: “Jeremy has re-ignited an interest in politics for people who no longer felt included, and engaged and inspired a new generation of young voters who, for the first time, believe that they have an incorruptible politician who truly represents them. For these reasons he has our full support as leader of a genuine, believable Labour Party.”
Ali Campbell, who was the lead singer, left the group in 2008 and is now touring separately with two other founding members. The name UB40 refers to the old signing on document unemployment benefit form 40.
More from LabourList
Starmer vows ‘sweeping changes’ to tackle ‘bulging benefits bill’
Local government reforms: ‘Bigger authorities aren’t always better, for voters or for Labour’s chances’
Compass’ Neal Lawson claims 17-month probe found him ‘not guilty’ over tweet