Corbyn expected to stand as independent candidate

Image source, Getty

Image caption, Jeremy Corbyn has sat as an independent MP since 2020
  • Author, Kate Whannel
  • Role, Political reporter

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is expected to stand as an independent candidate in Islington North in 4 July's general election.

Mr Corbyn, who has represented the London constituency since 1983, was blocked from standing for Labour by the party's governing body.

He was suspended as a Labour MP in 2020 for his response to a report into anti-Semitism in the party.

At the time Mr Corbyn called the move "political".

His decision to run against Labour in the general election, presents a headache for leader Sir Keir Starmer, as it risks exacerbating existing tensions between himself and MPs on the left of his party.

Labour is currently selecting its own candidate to run in what has traditionally been a safe seat for the party.

The Labour candidates have been whittled down to a shortlist of two - Sem Moema, a member of the London Assembly and Praful Nargund, an Islington councillor.

Journalist Paul Mason had thrown his hat into the ring but did not make the final cut.

The winner of the process will be a announced on 1 June.

At the 2019 general election Mr Corbyn held the seat with majority of 26,000.

The 74-year-old had spent the majority of his parliamentary career on the backbenches, but in 2015 became Labour leader after his leadership campaign received enthusiastic backing from party members.

He stepped down as leader following Labour's heavy defeat to the Conservatives in the 2019 general election but remains a very popular figure on the Left.