Local Labour members back Corbyn

LEADERSHIP: Labour's Jeremy Corbyn was in Solihull last night to take
part in a hustings against challenger Owen Smith.

LOCAL Labour activists have voted overwhelmingly in support of the party's current leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Last week, members from the Solihull and Meriden constituencies - the latter covering the north of the borough - turned out to decide whether to give their backing to Mr Corbyn or Owen Smith, the former shadow cabinet minister who is challenging him for the leadership.
It was one of the largest meetings in many years, with activists making strong arguments for both candidates.
While the contest has exposed deep divisions between different factions of the party, in a post on Facebook, the local branch described the atmosphere as "friendly and comradely."
In the end, members voted three to one in support of Mr Corbyn, who was elected by a landslide last summer but enjoys limited support among fellow MPs.
"He continues to have a mandate and support from grassroots members," the Facebook post added.
The declaration of support of constituency parties carries no actual weight in the contest, but is regarded as a good barometer of opinion ahead of members and registered supporters casting their ballot papers.
The result is scheduled to be announced on September 24.