Accepting to take child refugees from Europe, a “pausing” of the junior doctors’ contract and a climb-down on forced academisation of schools – a trio of U-turns in the space of a week that has left the Government somewhat bruised, but by no means scarred.
What is most striking from these climb-downs is the repeated inability of Labour to capitalise on the blunders of Cameron & Co. Jeremy Corbyn’s proud declaration that Labour had “hung on” in English local elections, despite the party having had one of the worst performances by an opposition party at this stage of the electoral cycle in recent history, is perhaps telling of the current ambitions of the party.
Opponents of Corbyn were roundly told to “put up or shut up” by John McDonnell, despite decimation in Scotland and losses in the Welsh Assembly. Labour’s only saving grace was a Sadiq Khan win in London. Yet, even where Corbyn has been viewed most positively, Khan’s campaign unsurprisingly did not want to associate itself with a beleaguered leader, with results elsewhere demonstrating why.
The coup to oust Corbyn has effectively been put on ice.
However, those longing for just such a deposition may not have long to sharpen their knives.
If the UK votes to leave the EU on June 23rd, it is doubtful that Corbyn’s position as leader would remain tenable. His limited vigour in advocating for a “remain” vote from Labour supporters will be seen as having failed to mobilise adequate support to prevent the UK’s exit from the EU.
While Brexiteers may be rubbing their hands in glee at the prospect of Corbyn stepping in for David Cameron to debate the merits of the EU with Boris Johnson, those wanting to rid Labour of Corbyn will arguably be more conflicted, with his toppling perhaps coming at the expense of the UK’s EU membership.
If Corbyn successfully navigates this pitfall, make-or-break events are few and far between, with his continued charge towards a total Labour collapse in 2020 fuelled by a lack of popular candidates within the party to challenge for the leadership.
Until there’s a major shift in Labour’s leadership, Government U-turns will continue to go unpunished. As far as the Conservatives will be concerned – may Jezza long-reign supreme.