jeremy corbyn

Corbyn the clear favourite for Isle of Wight Labour party members

Ed Gouge from Isle of Wight Labour Constituency Party shares this latest news. Ed


Isle of Wight Labour Party members voted overwhelmingly in favour of Jeremy Corbyn as their preferred choice for Labour leader at a meeting in Newport on Wednesday.

Nearly a hundred people attended the local Nomination Meeting, the meeting at which the Constituency Party declares its support for one of the candidates in the national leadership election contest.

Secret ballot
In a secret ballot, held after passionate speeches from the floor for the rival candidates, 76 people voted in favour of Jeremy Corbyn, while five voted for Owen Smith.

Only Labour Party members were allowed to vote.

The nomination vote does not directly affect the outcome of the actual Leadership election, which is decided by a postal ballot of all members and supporters between 22nd August and 21st September.

Five-fold increase in Party membership
Isle of Wight Labour Secretary, Ed Gouge, said afterwards:

“There could be no doubting the passion of local members, whichever candidate they prefer, and their desire to see the Labour Party adopt policies that address the problems our country is facing. Members listened carefully to what everyone had to say.”

“Here on the Island we have seen a five-fold increase in Party membership over the last year, making us by far the largest political party. It gives me confidence this support will help us increase the number of Labour members on the IW Council in the May 2017 County Council elections.”

Image: 70023venus2009 under CC BY 2.0