• AS an Islington resident for most of my life, I look around and see the many hospitals, schools, and endless other public services created by Labour governments and Labour councils, working as united socialists against Tory opposition.

The Tribune reported (‘We need Corbyn now more than ever’, April 26) that more than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling on Jeremy Corbyn, our Islington North MP, to run as an independent against Labour in this year’s general election.

As an Islington local councillor for the last 10 years, and a Labour activist for many years before that in Islington, I know Jeremy well.

He was a great colleague and generally worked well with the local Labour council, sometimes in very trying times. I know many of the things said about him outside Islington are unfair.

As you report, he has had people working on his behalf in Islington since 1983 and has developed a strong following in large parts of the Islington community.

But as our Islington’s public services are being decimated by an uncaring Tory party, we need a united Labour government more than ever.

Whatever many Labour supporters may think of Sir Keir Starmer’s policies, the vast majority of the Labour Party has united under him, in the same way the majority of Labour united under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership despite widespread opposition in many sections of the party.

Now is not the time for Labour to split, however angry some people in Islington feel on Jeremy’s behalf.

It is all very difficult for many of us. I and many others sincerely hope that Jeremy will not split Labour in Islington (and across the country), and that he will not stand against the Islington Labour Party that has loved him, and that he has loved in return.

DAVE POYSER
Former Labour Councillor for Hillrise ward 2014-2024