International News

LONDON, (APP/AFP) – Britain’s opposition
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Tuesday won a crucial victory against rebels seeking to unseat him, after the party’s executive committee ruled he would automatically be included on a leadership ballot.
The veteran socialist faces a challenge by senior MP Angela Eagle,
although others may decide to stand in the race which will see the winner crowned in September.
Three-quarters of Labour lawmakers backed a vote of no confidence in
Corbyn on June 28, after months of criticism over his leadership boiled over following the shock vote by Britons to leave the European Union.
But he has refused to resign, noting he was elected on a strong
mandate by party members only last September.
Anyone standing for the leadership needs 51 nominations from Labour
MPs or members of the European Parliament (MEPs) — and it was not clear that, despite his grassroots support, Corbyn could secure them.
After closed-door discussions lasting almost six hours, the 33
members of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) decided to include him automatically on the ballot.
“The NEC has agreed that as the incumbent leader Jeremy Corbyn will
go forward onto the ballot without requiring nominations from the Parliamentary Labour Party and the European Parliamentary Labour Party,” a spokesman said.