News / Politics
Bristol South MP joins Corbyn criticism
Bristol South MP Karin Smyth has joined the chorus of discontent within the Labour Party, saying Jeremy Corbyn’s position is now “untenable”.
Smyth, who was a private secretary to Heidi Alexander before the shadow health secretary resigned from her post, criticised Corbyn for leading the party through an unsuccessful local election and EU referendum.
Her comments in a letter to south Bristol Labour Party members come after Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy resigned from her post as shadow environment secretary on Sunday.
“Of course the leader must have the confidence of MPs and Party members, but more than this the leader must show they are capable of gaining the support and confidence of voters across the country, and across a range of political opinion,” Smyth said in a letter sent on Monday.
“The leader of the Labour Party must have a clear plan for government, and have the credibility and competence to deliver it. It is increasingly evident to me that Jeremy Corbyn is not that leader, and that his position has become untenable.”
Corbyn is heading for a leadership challenge as he attempts to reshuffle his shadow cabinet in the wake of 18 resignations, including Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy, and six shadow ministers also walking out. Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire is rumoured to be the next to announce her resignation.
Tom Watson, Labour’s deputy leader, has called on Corbyn to stand down.
Here’s my letter to Bristol South Labour Party members this morning pic.twitter.com/mcFgyMC9YV
— Karin Smyth MP (@karinsmyth) June 27, 2016
Read more: Kerry McCarthy’s resignation letter to Jeremy Corbyn