Jeremy Corbyn

IT has been likened to a gunfight where you must not be the first to blink: the Labour Party putting off the selection of a new candidate for Islington North and Jeremy Corbyn being coy and cryptic whenever asked about whether he intends to stand as an independent candidate.

But if there is to be a duel between the area’s MP of the past 40 years and the party that won’t let him carry on with their rosette, things will have to come to a head soon.

The starting pistol has been fired after Labour began its selection process with the clear message that Mr Corbyn is still not welcome.

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While there is a wide expectation across Islington’s political circles that he will stand as an independent, there was no apparent rush to make a declaration in response to Labour’s attempts to swiftly install a new face.

Mr Corbyn told the Tribune: “I’ve had a very busy week in parliament, standing up for victims of sexual violence in war, and demanding justice for the WASPI women. I was also proud to join local activists in the community as part of the NOcado campaign. Working with people, learning from them and campaigning together for a fairer society — that’s what being an MP is all about.”

He added: “When I was first elected as the MP for Islington North, I made a promise to my constituents that I would always stand up for democracy, peace and justice on their behalf. In Islington North, we keep our promises.”

Some of his supporters – including a contingent who have voted Labour historically – last month organised a petition urging him to consider standing, while admirers from further afield have sent messages offering to come to north London to aid any campaign to get him re-elected.