1,000 UK Labour councillors back Smith in leadership contest
Over 1,000 Labour Party councilors across the United Kingdom have signed a letter in support of Owen Smith over Jeremy Corbyn to become the next leader of the opposition party.
The letter, published on Friday, was signed by representatives from England, Wales and Scotland, noting that the councilors do not have faith in Corbyn’s “weak leadership” as the party faces divisions following Britain's vote to exit the European Union (EU).
“Corbyn’s weak leadership risks condemning Britain to a generation of destructive Conservative rule. Labour councilors are supporting Owen Smith because only he can unite Labour against the Tories, and lead us back to power where we can transform the lives of working people for the better,” said Michael Payne, a Labour councilor and one of the organizers of the letter.
The letter urges the party members to back Smith because "this is the only path forward to a Labour government".
"We have those who seem to prefer perpetual division to the job of winning power for the good of those we represent. We need a unifying leader who is principled and competent," it said.
“Owen Smith, with his experience, especially as shadow secretary of state fighting austerity, has a firm grasp of the issues and will be prepared to lead our party from day one,” the letter added.
Smith announced his decision to run in the Labour leadership election last month. Smith had resigned earlier this year from Corbyn's shadow cabinet before challenging for the leadership.
Corbyn’s opponents challenged his leadership for what they call inadequate efforts to keep the UK in the EU.
He has until September 21 to appeal to voters and defeat Smith. The results will be announced in a Liverpool conference three days later.
Corbyn has secured nominations from 285 constituency Labour Parties, more than five times his rival’s 53.
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