Does Today, April 4th, 2020 Mark the End of Corbynism in the UK Labour Party?

The notion that Corbynism, as a synonym for borderline revolutionary left-wing politics, has disappeared from the UK Labour Party is far from accurate. Several key reasons support this assertion:

Rebecca Long Bailey's Continuation

Rebecca Long Bailey's campaign, despite being one of the poorest led among recent Labour leadership contenders, secured 27.6% of the vote. This is a remarkably high percentage considering her limited oratory skills in Parliament. Even as a stalwart of the hard left, candidates typically rely on fiery speakers to drive change and innovative language. Long Bailey's performance indicates that a significant portion of the Labour electorate remains invested in left-wing politics, even through a more traditionally moderate channel.

Momentum's Persistent Influence

While the leadership race may have seen hopeful outcomes for Keir Starmer, the support for Momentum candidates in subsequent polls was encouraging. These candidates received close to a 50-50 split in votes for the NEC (National Executive Committee), a listing of the internal institutional leadership. Momentum's presence and influence are undeniable, and it's likely that this powerful force will sleep but not die, waiting for the right moment to reassert itself.

Labour's Internal Drama and Power Struggles

The Labour party has a long history of internal power struggles and dramatic dramas that ebb and flow beneath the surface. These dynamics are influenced by a broad range of ideologues, but more notably by a core group of 40 members who are constantly on guard, swayed by social media trends, past election results, real-world events, and the personalities at play. This group, which determines the party's trajectory, is known to be flexible and opportunistic, ready to jump on the bandwagon that captures public sentiment.

The Potential for Revitalization

Given the continued support for left-wing politics within the Labour Party, a resurgence of Corbynist elements is not out of the question. Should the party shift toward moderation, the latent support for Momentum-backed candidates and Corbynite policies could easily resurface. Many within the party are already preparing for this eventuality, slated to happen once vanilla moderation loses its appeal or if there is a renewed enthusiasm for a charismatic Corbyn-like leader.

Conclusion: Corbynism’s Endurance in the Labour Party

The 4th of April, 2020, did not mark the end of Corbynism in the UK Labour Party. Despite the leadership change and the electoral realignments that followed, there is a clear indication that Corbynism remains a significant and enduring force within the party. While the immediate focus may lie on Keir Starmer's leadership, the continued presence of Rebecca Long Bailey and the resilience of Momentum highlight the potential for Corbynism to make a comeback. The Labour party’s internal dynamics, driven by a flexible and opportunistic core group, ensure that left-wing ideologies will remain a prominent and influential part of its political landscape.