Leaked: Kerry McCarthy’s email to members

This is a copy of an email sent from Kerry McCarthy to her local Labour members on June 28, 2016.

Dear Bristol East Labour Party Member,

On Sunday I took the decision to resign as Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and today I voted in support of the PLP motion of no confidence in Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership of the Labour Party. As you will have heard, the motion was passed 172-40, 81% to 19%.

After Jeremy was elected leader in September, I accepted a position in his Shadow Cabinet – unlike many others who refused to serve. I felt that, in view of his clear mandate, we had a duty to try to make it work. For nine months I did try. I loved having the Environment brief, and very much wanted to remain in post 

However, I was hugely disappointed by Jeremy’s lack of leadership during the EU referendum campaign, and his half-hearted support for – or, more bluntly, his wilful refusal to cooperate with – the official Labour In campaign. It would be unfair to blame Jeremy directly for the final outcome, and the dismal results in our heartlands in Wales, the North and the Midlands. But I felt that Jeremy could have done much more to reach out to our voters. And I believe he let down so many people who passionately believe that our future is in the European Union, and are now in despair that we have voted to Leave.

When the Shadow Cabinet met on Friday, there was no indication from Jeremy that he was disappointed by the referendum result. The rest of us were devastated, knowing the impact it would have on our constituents, and what the result said about us as a country. Jeremy had nothing to say at the Shadow Cabinet on Friday, nor at the PLP meeting last night, as to how we now take the country forward. At the PLP last night, he simply didn’t answer the questions put to him, and clearly had not given any serious thought to the political and economic crisis now facing the country, other than to endorse John McDonnell’s calls to oppose an austerity budget. He had no analysis, no strategy and no vision.

I asked Jeremy specifically at the Shadow Cabinet about immigration, and how we talk to Labour voters about it. This is an issue that comes up time and time again on the doorstep in east Bristol, and clearly was a massive factor in the vote to Leave. I do not think Jeremy understands those concerns, nor does he wish to engage with those voters. He only wants to speak to those who share his political views. And that is not enough for someone who aspires to be Prime Minister of this country.

I know many of you will feel that, in light of the turmoil caused by the referendum result, now is not the time for Labour to turn in on itself. But the need for strong leadership is greater than ever. Not just because we need answers to the many questions that the Brexit vote raises – where does the country go from here? – but because we could be facing a snap general election in only a few months’ time. We need a leader who is strong, determined and seen as credible by the wider electorate if we are to deliver the Labour Government this country needs.

While I have had many messages of support already from active members, I have also had messages – some polite, many abusive, some threatening – from people saying I should respect the mandate given to Jeremy by the party membership last September. I accept that Jeremy has a mandate, and that is why I agreed to serve in his shadow cabinet in the first place. But I also have a duty to my own conscience and to my constituents, who have so much to lose if Labour cannot find a route back to political office. I do not have confidence in Jeremy’s capacity to lead Labour and therefore I cannot support him as leader.

Whatever happens now, I will continue to work tirelessly for the people of Bristol East, and for you, as your MP. Even if you disagree with my decision, I hope you can appreciate that I based it on what I believe is best for both the Labour Party and for our country.

With best wishes, 

Kerry.