West Country Labour members react to Corbyn victory

Jeremy Corbyn celebrates his victory following the announcement of the winner in the Labour leadership contest between him and Owen Smith. Credit: PA Wire

News of the Labour leadership result has sparked a varied mix of reaction from supporters and challengers across the West Country.

Jeremy Corbyn was re-elected as Labour leader, winning 61.8 per cent of the vote. Mr Corbyn saw off challenger Owen Smith, increasing the mandate which he first won a year ago.

The election of the party's new leader saw a turnout of 77.6%.

Bristol South Labour MP Karin Smyth was the first to tweet her congratulatory wishes, despite in July being one of the shadow cabinet ministers who urged Mr Corbyn to stand down.

Credit: PA

Thangam Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West congratulated Mr Corbyn on the result. She was disappointed they had to suspend meetings over the Summer, but is now looking forward to reconnecting with party members and going out on the streets with them.

We asked her if she could have confidence in Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the opposition.

The bruising leadership contest followed a mass walkout from the shadow cabinet and a 172-40 vote of no confidence in Mr Corbyn's leadership by MPs.

But speaking after his victory, the re-elected leader said both he and Mr Smith were part of the 'same Labour family' in an appeal for unity after winning.

Supporters of Mr Corbyn anxiously waiting for the result. Credit: ITV News

Meanwhile Conservative party members in our region have also responded to news of Mr Corbyn's re-election.