A new dawn has broken has it not? Maybe not quite. However, it has inside the Labour Party. Jeremy Corbyn was seen jigging his way into 105 Victoria Street this morning flanked by a ginger looking Labour Party General Secretary – one Iain McNicol.
It is likely that Corbynites will use the election as an opportunity to push forward the ‘McDonnell amendment’. This move aims to reduce the number of nominations needed from MPs to stand for leader – paving the way for a far-left successor to Jeremy.
The NEC may block it still. However, this result and increased enthusiasm from activists means there is now a new, longer term, game of building the votes and support to implement change in the party over the coming years.
After what should have been a disastrous election for Corbyn, many were expecting his departure in the near future. Now, they have as long as Corbyn can hold onto the job to make the party in their image. This delays any recovery of the party by its centrist wing, has blunted hopes of ousting Corbyn, and sets the scene for a long war of attrition.
As evidence of this, Chuka Umunna – expected to launch a bid for the leadership – made a statement saying he would now willingly serve in the Shadow Cabinet. Furthermore, on the back of their increased majorities, we are unlikely to hear calls for a split anytime soon.