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A December election is on – but will it be the end of Jeremy Corbyn?
JC political editor Lee Harpin sets the scene for one of the most important polls in recent British history
October 30, 2019 09:16
JC political editor Lee Harpin sets the scene for one of the most important polls in recent British history
October 30, 2019 09:16"We've got to hope this is the chance to get rid of him," one senior Labour figure told the JC after the General Election was confirmed for December 12. "It's all to play for again if that happens."
MPs backed Boris Johnson's call for an election, after months of Brexit deadlock, as the House of Commons approved legislation paving the way for the first December election since 1923.
The bill still has to be approved by the Lords but could become law by the end of the week leading to a brief five-week election campaign.
A Survation poll for the JC last week suggested that under Mr Corbyn, Labour's support has plunged to just seven per cent among Jewish voters.
Many in the community could automatically be expected to vote Conservative - particularly with the assurance that it might be the best way to prevent Mr Corbyn reaching Downing Street.
But the re-emergence of the Liberal Democrats as a political force has excited many who are angered by the Tory Party's direction over Brexit.
The defection of Luciana Berger to the Lib Dems has added extra spice to her forthcoming election battle with Tory MP Mike Freer in Finchley and Golders Green.
It is understood that further polling has suggested that most British Jews rank Brexit as their main concern ahead of the election - with antisemitism their next most pressing issue.
The Jewish vote is expected to play a crucial role in other constituencies - particularly in Hendon, where Matthew Offord secured a narrow majority for the Conservatives at the last election.
Tory minister Theresa Villiers also faces a battle to hold onto her seat in Chipping Barnet, which see won with a majority of just 353 in 2017.
Meanwhile, two remaining Jewish Labour MPs, Ruth Smeeth and Dame Margaret Hodge face questions over their decision to remain in Jeremy Corbyn's party while campaigning against antisemtism in the party.
In Liverpool Riverside, Dame Louise Ellman confirmed she would not be standing as the next election as an independent after quitting Labour earlier this month.
The JC understands that the Jewish Labour Movement is to announce that its members will not campaign in support of the Labour canidate Ross Houston in Finchley and Golders Green.
This is intended as a show of solidarity with Ms Berger, who is standing for the Lib Dems in the seat.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson hopes the election will give him a fresh mandate for his Brexit deal and break the Parliamentary deadlock, which has led to the UK's exit from the EU being further delayed to January 31.
Labour leader Mr Corbyn said: "This election is a once-in-a-generation chance to transform our country and take on the vested interests holding people back."
Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson said neither Mr Johnson nor Mr Corbyn "was fit to be prime minister" and it was not inconceivable that her party could form the next government.
"I am standing as a candidate to be the next prime minister and in these volatile political times that is absolutely possible," she told Sky News.
Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage welcomed the election, suggesting that the deadlock had been broken and "Brexit now has a chance to succeed".
Some Labour MPs have expressed misgivings over the timing of the election, believing only another referendum can settle the Brexit question for good.
More than 100 Labour MPs did not take part or abstained in Tuesday's crucial vote, while 11 voted against an election.
