Jeremy Corbyn will remain as leader of the Labour Party, but will not lead Labour in the next general election.
That general election is likely to be in 2024 after a further five years of Conservative rule under Boris Johnson.
Johnson’s party has already won a majority, with many more seats still to be declared.
One seat Labour won’t lose is Islington North, as Corbyn gained 34,603 votes in the area, a 72% majority over Liberal Democrats with 8,415 and Conservatives with 5,834.
“I will not lead the party in any future general election campaign,” Corbyn said.
“I’ve had reflection on the policies the party will take going forward, and I will lead the party during that time.
“I will remain the MP for Islington North. We will forever continue the cause for social injustices for all rather than the need for the few. Those ideas and those principles are there all the time.”
Corbyn has endured his most eventful, stressful and mentally draining time as a politician over the past four years in charge of the Labour Party, but he refuses to quit and is thankful to all those close to him – most notably the people of his own constituency.
“Thanks to the people of Islington North for the 10th time to represent Islington North in parliament. It’s a pleasure to do so and I’ve learnt so much and it’s my pleasure to represent them in parliament.
“I want to thank the half a million members in who have supported me. I’m proud of the way we fought this election campaign. We undertook the task of getting a message of hope and justice through to every part of this country.
“I will work as I always have to represent and to defend the people of my constituency because they are very special, and I have taught them so much and I owe them so much.”
Corbyn reflected on a ‘disappointing night’ for his party, and was quick to point out the way he feels he’s been alienated by both the media and opposing politicians.
“This is a very disappointing night for the Labour Party.
“The pressure on those surrounding politicians is often very high indeed, the media intrusion on people’s lives is very high indeed, and the attack on families and loved ones by politicians remain and they are disgusting.
Corbyn had a point, but criticism aroused from a referendum that the majority of UK voters didn’t buy into as they saw it as impractical and unrealistic.
The Labour Party chief, though, showed a sense of pride and defended his manifesto.
He said: “In the campaign we put forward a manifesto of hope, a manifesto of humanity, and an attempt to re-write the wrong and injustices in humanity. A manifesto to help children in schools, and a manifesto that gave hope in the environmental crisis by giving a green revolution.
“All were popular policies. However, Brexit has polarised and divided debate in this country and I recognise this has contributed to the Labour Party in this country.”
Overall, Corbyn remained firm on his stance to tackle the issues he believes exist in the social sphere and his stance against Johnson.
He explained: “The issue of social injustice will not go away because of the issue of Brexit and Boris Johnson.
“The fundamental message about injustice in our society will always remain and it’s what I will always advocate.”
