Jeremy Corbyn endorses Jackson Caines

ISLINGTON North MP Jeremy Corbyn has thrown his support behind independent candidate Jackson Caines in the run-up to the Junction by-election.

In an email to his supporters, he said: “Jackson will be an excellent local councillor. Over the years I’ve campaigned with Jackson, I’ve seen his determination and expertise to improve the lives of others, particularly those facing housing issues.”

The veteran MP added: “As a councillor, Jackson will campaign with you for housing, health, environment, peace and all the other issues that affect our community, and he won’t be afraid to challenge the government over its decisions.”

The endorsement, however, has sparked claim and counter claim about whether Mr Corbyn’s supporters are happy with his intervention.

Labour councillor Paul Convery said: “Jackson’s endorsement by Jeremy Corbyn has caused consternation amongst some of Jeremy’s supporters. These are long-standing former Labour Party members who backed Jeremy at the general election but who also support Islington Labour. Some are very upset that a council candidate is being promoted just to attack Labour in the Town Hall.

“They are friends and comrades of ours. Running an anti-Labour candidate doesn’t mend fences and is of no benefit to the thousands of working-class Islington residents who want a council that just gets on with doing its best for them.”

But Phil Graham, an independent councillor who is supporting Mr Caines’ campaign, rejected the idea that he was an “anti-Labour candidate”.

He said: “He’s standing as an alternative candidate to all parties. Only Tories think they have a right to rule.”

Mr Graham added: “People who vote for Jackson will be ones who feel they have no political home since the Starmerite takeover of Labour.

“He will offer a voice to those who feel that no party speaks for them. The Labour Party have had many chances to mend fences but chose to attack and victimise previously loyal hard-working members and activists.”

But Mr Convery argued that standing up to Keir Starmer is “gesture politics”, adding: “Jackson just wants to be a councillor that shouts slogans and waves placards.”

\He said Labour councillors would work with the government but also be “critical friends”.