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Corbyn's turnaround sparks praise from critics - in his own party

Jeremy Corbyn’s surprise success in the general election has not only earned him the praise of the electorate – but many of the detractors within his own party.

The Labour leader has faced fierce criticism since he was elected in 2015, from his own MPs as well as his political opponents.

But the shock result in yesterday’s election has sparked another turnaround – from some of his harshest critics.

Here are what some of Corbyn’s critics said in the wake of Thursday’s surprise result.

Jeremy Corbyn’s surprise success in the general election has not only earned him the praise of the electorate - but many of the detractors within his own party.
Critics – Vernon Coaker was among some of Jeremy Corbyn’s critics within his own party (Pictures: Getty)

:: Vernon Coaker

Former shadow Northern Ireland minister Vernon Coaker, who resigned from his role in June last year, praised Labour’s campaign, telling the Nottingham Post: “We had a really excellent campaign, both locally and nationally by Jeremy Corbyn. Theresa May’s campaign has been, to say the least, disappointing.”

“I’m delighted with the result and to have increased my majority. It’s a great privilege and honour to have once again be elected as MP for Gedling.”

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:: Matthew Pennycook

The MP for Greenwich and Woolwich resigned in June 2016 as parliamentary private secretary in John Healey’s shadow housing team, telling Mr Corbyn he did not offer the “compelling leadership” required.

But he was more positive about the Labour leader following the party’s surge in popularity during the election campaign, saying: “I’ve always said the party is bigger than one person, but the manifesto is a large part of it, and Jeremy – undeniably he’s had a fantastic campaign – and he has brought, I think, young people out in record numbers.”

Jeremy Corbyn’s surprise success in the general election has not only earned him the praise of the electorate - but many of the detractors within his own party.
Jeremy Corbyn’s surprise success in the general election has not only earned him the praise of the electorate - but many of the detractors within his own party.

:: Owen Smith

The MP for Pontypridd tried to oust Mr Corbyn last year, but said he ‘took his hat off’ to the Labour leader following his election campaign.

He told Wales Online: “I think there’s a big ideological divide and a practical divide between Labour and Tory right now.

“I think there was at the last election, but I think Jeremy has cut through with the reality that Labour offers a very different set of priorities and choices to the public in a way the previous Labour shadow administration didn’t.

“I don’t think there’s a radical difference between some of the policies that were offered by Labour but I think Jeremy has managed to convey those policies and persuade people of the value of those policies in a way in that we didn’t manage to do previously – and I take my hat off to him.”

Jeremy Corbyn’s surprise success in the general election has not only earned him the praise of the electorate - but many of the detractors within his own party.
Jeremy Corbyn’s surprise success in the general election has not only earned him the praise of the electorate - but many of the detractors within his own party.

:: Hilary Benn

Mr Benn, MP for Leeds Central, was sacked from his role as shadow foreign secretary amid claims he was encouraging colleagues to resign as part of an eventually botched attempt to replace Mr Corbyn as leader.

He told the Financial Times: “A lot of young people have been enthused by Jeremy’s campaign.”

But slightly less effusive than some members of his party, he added: “We have not won. It is the third election in a row that we have not been able to form a government. The party will want to reflect on that.”