Corbyn gears up for new year relaunch despite Tom Watson doubts

Plans for senior Labour aides to mount a new year “re-launch” of Jeremy Corbyn appeared uncertain today after his deputy denied any knowledge of the effort.

Tom Watson said reports the Labour leader would be re-framed as a left-wing populist, in a bid to turn around the party’s poor poll ratings, came as “news to me”.

Watson was asked about suggestions Corbyn’s advisors could portray the veteran left-winger as another anti-establishment figure – following the electoral success of Nigel Farage and Donald Trump – but from an opposing political perspective.

“You have always got to work hard to win the confidence of voters but I am afraid not aware any re-launch whatsoever – that was news to me when I saw it in the newspapers today,” Watson told the BBC.

“He seems like he is on a high trajectory in his own right does our Jeremy so lets see what the new year brings”.

Corbyn, who won an overwhelming re-election as leader in September, is expected to appear more often on television from January while a newly expanded team of staff will develop flagship policies to demonstrate his “willingness to lead a revolt against vested interests”, The Guardian reported.

This week an IPSOS Mori poll put Labour on 29 per cent and the Tories on 40 per cent.

Last night Labour’s vote share slipped in council by-elections but supporters of Corbyn point out the party has won parliamentary by-elections in Oldham West and Royton, and Tooting, as well as the London mayoralty, under his leadership.