Newscast Old Newscast: How Jeremy Corbyn Won The Labour Leadership 2015 (Part 2)
Dec 30, 2025
Jane Merrick, a seasoned political journalist, and Nick Watt, former chief political correspondent, dive into Jeremy Corbyn's surprising rise in the 2015 Labour leadership contest. They discuss how Corbyn remarkably secured the necessary nominations, defying early skepticism from MPs. The duo highlights the energizing grassroots support, large rally attendance, and how Corbyn's authenticity resonated with voters amidst a media environment favoring slick campaigns. They also reflect on the unexpected fallout from Tony Blair's comments, which ultimately bolstered Corbyn's popularity.
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Complacency Enabled An Underdog Surge
- Jeremy Corbyn's candidacy was initially underestimated by MPs who treated the contest as a broad debate rather than a genuine threat.
- The party's complacency helped Corbyn gain traction among members and supporters outside Westminster.
Registered Supporters Changed The Electorate
- Hundreds of thousands signed up as three-pound registered supporters and created a new voter base.
- That influx transformed the contest dynamic and powered Corbyn's grassroots momentum.
A Tip That Changed Coverage
- Nick Watt recounts a Portcullis House moment when a senior Labour figure predicted Corbyn would win.
- That tip prompted The Guardian to treat Corbyn as a serious, fully-covered candidate.