News / Bristol
Jeremy Corbyn hits campaign trail in Bristol
Just three days into the General Election campaign, Jeremy Corbyn made his first stop in Bristol where he met with some of the city’s youngest generations.
Speaking during a visit to Brentry & Henbury Children’s Centres in Brentry, Corbyn insisted that within hours of Theresa May’s snap General Election announcement on Tuesday, Labour gained 2,500 new members and continues to increase in numbers.
The Labour leader said that the party is determined to take the fight to the Tories and bring an end to inequality in Britain, as he was also once again forced to deny that internal rifts will bring about their downfall.
is needed now More than ever
Brentry & Henbury Children’s Centres head David Jones, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Labour metro mayor candidate Lesley Mansell
Corbyn gave short shrift to the question of whether he would stand down if his party loses on June 8, calling it an “absurd” thing to ask so early in the campaign.
“Tomorrow, in every town across the country, we will be out there campaigning,” he said.
Corbyn faces questions from the media at Brentry & Henbury Children’s Centres
When challenged on party divisions and the public criticism from Labour colleagues, including Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire, who claimed she was appointed as shadow arts minister and then sacked when she was receiving cancer treatment, the leader insisted there is unity.
He said: “We are going to win this election to deal with social injustice in Britain.”
In Bristol just last month to help launch Mansell’s campaign, Corbyn denied that the snap General Election announcement will overshadow the metro mayor elections and argued it will have the opposite effect with so many activists taking to the street to drum up support.
When asked if he thinks Mansell is doing enough to convince voters to back her when they head to the polls on May 4, Corbyn said she is the candidate to tackle the region’s transport problems and improve public services.
A world away from the barrage of questions, Corbyn’s oratory skills came into play as he took the time to read the story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt to an entranced young audience at the centre.
Corbyn entranced a young audience with his storytelling
David Jones, charity director and head of centres, said: “Children’s centres are always very variable places but it’s not everyday that you have a potential next leader of the country.
“We are very pleased that Jeremy and the Labour party support children’s centres.
“Getting in early years is the key and it’s great that Jeremy recognises that.”
Read more: Jeremy Corbyn in Bristol to launch metro mayor campaign
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