Jeremy Corbyn: 'Media obsessed with my leadership'

Jeremy Corbyn was at a poster campaign launch on Monday Credit: PA

Jeremy Corbyn accused the media of being "obsessed" with his leadership as he insisted Labour will not lose any seats at Thursday's local elections.

The Labour leader refused to comment on Monday when asked repeatedly whether he thought a rumbling anti-Semitism row was an attempt to destabilise his leadership.

Speaking at a campaign launch in London, Mr Corbyn said the anti-Semitism issue is being dealt with" by an ndependent investigation into racism within the party.

On Sunday, Labour suspended a further three councillors over alleged anti-Semitism.

He also insisted he would carry on if there was a challenge to his control of the party after Thursday's council elections and the London mayor,vote.

Thursday's elections will provide the first national test of Mr Corbyn's leadership as Labour Credit: PA

Speaking of possible links between the anti-Semitism row and manouveres to oust him as leader, Mr Corbyn refused to be drawn.

"It is time, quite honestly, that many in the golden circle of the media establishment actually got out a bit and listened to what people are saying", he said.

"I think many in the media are obsessed with this rather than what they should be obsessed with, which is the devastating crisis of inequality in our society."

Thursday's elections will provide the first national test of Mr Corbyn's leadership as Labour critics insist the party must make gains, with former shadow cabinet minister Michael Dugher suggesting a benchmark of another 400 seats.