Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is starting 2023 with fresh hopes of keeping the Islington North seat he has held for almost 40 years.
Corbyn had the Labour whip removed in 2020 for claiming that anti-Semitism in the party was “overstated for political reasons.” Current boss Sir Keir Starmer has said it is “difficult to see” a situation where Corbyn stands for Labour again.
This month, Corbyn has written for his local paper, the Islington Tribune, and appeared on Robert Peston’s ITV programme.
Corbyn told us: “I have been clear that the whip was wrongly removed, and it should be restored. So, too, should the democratic rights of local Labour party members, who must be allowed to choose who represents them in Parliament. I am honoured to be the full-time representative of Islington North, and will continue to fight for a more equal, peaceful and sustainable society on behalf of my constituents.” He also reminded us that he has been elected ten times in the seat.
It’s rumoured that Corbyn could stand as an Independent or have a run as mayor if he is blocked from standing for Labour.
No Spare time for Sheku
HARRY and Meghan’s wedding cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, right, has given an interview to The Times which suggests he’s less interested in Harry’s new book than many. Kanneh-Mason took five questions about books, but avoided any talk of Spare. When asked about tomes he couldn’t finish, he said: “There are a few... but I don’t feel it’s very kind to name them here.” Sorry, Harry?
Idea for vigilante nurses
EXTINCTION Rebellion and Insulate Britain founder Roger Hallam has offered his advice to NHS workers, whether they want it or not. In their dispute with the Government over pay, Hallam suggests that health workers “accept it is disruption or obliteration” and “choose disruption”, with a wave of nationwide demonstrations leading to “1000s of arrests”. Watch out for nurses gluing themselves to an ambulance near you.
Comic Book guy buys stake in Soho club
A Soho club bought by cryptocurrency investors last year has another investor. Blacks, on Dean Street, whose members include Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley, is based on a club founded by Dr Samuel Johnson. Last spring, we revealed it had been bought by Crypto Club Global, with some members concerned they would make changes. A few months later, comic-book writer Mark Millar also bought a stake.
Correction: an earlier version of this article said that the club had been sold by Crypto Club Global. We’re happy to point out that this is not the case.
Take That, David Lammy
THERE was a mini Take That reunion at Robbie Williams’s house at the weekend, as he and Mark Owen sat in baby chairs. Williams said that they were the “babies of the band”. Elsewhere, Rita Ora showed off a new tattoo, while model Iris Law cradled a kitten. And Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy bridged the North London divide at the derby yesterday. Arsenal fan Starmer posted a picture with his shadow Home Secretary, who is MP for Tottenham, with caption “only one of us was still smiling at full time”. Poor David.
