LONDON -- On paper, it was a landslide.
Left-leaning favourite Jeremy Corbyn romped to victory in the Labour leadership race Saturday, achieving almost 60% of the 400,000 votes cast. His rivals, Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall, didn’t stand a chance.
However, his victory has triggered a schism in a party that has a fair amount of soul-searching ahead.
A cavalcade of resignations followed in the hours after the announcement. Cooper and Kendall were among those to quit, while Mary Creagh, Chuka Umunna, Tristram Hunt, Rachel Reeves, Chris Leslie, Jamie Reed, Emma Reynolds and Shabana Mahmood all said they wouldn’t serve in Corbyn’s shadow cabinet.
While newly appointed Labour deputy Tom Watson called on members to “respect the mandate,” and former deputy prime minister John Prescott said the party had "overwhelmingly endorsed" Corbyn, his support within the party seems built on decidedly shaky foundations.
The press had a field day Monday. “Labour divisions widen,” The Times thundered. “Labour divide deepens,” The Guardian warned. The Sun, meanwhile, opted for “Labour in meltdown,” while the Daily Mail reported on the party’s “bitter civil war.”
Cameron leapt to Twitter following the news, immediately framing Corbyn's appointment as a reason to fear Labour. “The Labour Party is now a threat to our national security, our economic security and your family's security,” he said.
The Labour Party is now a threat to our national security, our economic security and your family's security.— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) September 13, 2015
Always keen to air his thoughts, Rupert Murdoch suggested the appointment was a blessing for the Conservatives. “How did Cameron get this lucky?” he wondered aloud on Twitter.
Hard left Corbyn wins in landslide, goes on TV singing "Red Flag". How did Cameron get this lucky? Hope he doesn't slack off.— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) September 12, 2015
Jeremy Corbyn defied the odds this weekend. Originally a 200-1 outsider, and added to the ticket in order for the left to have a voice by MPs who didn’t think he’d actually win, his success came as a massive surprise.
So why is he such a divisive appointment, and why is his triumph seen as a boon to the Conservative opposition?
While Corbyn pushes an anti-austerity message that resonates with much of the electorate, many of his hard left policies are at odds with the general public sentiment.
His policies, from renationalising the railways and utilities to scrapping Trident, the UK’s nuclear deterrent, might be ideas his party supporters can rally round, but they don’t necessarily come with widespread public support.
Abroad, he wants an end to air strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria. He was also criticised for calling Hamas and Hezbollah “friends,” before clarifying his position, saying he doesn’t endorse either organisation, but that peace requires talking to people you disagree with.
Nevertheless, the Conservatives have jumped on some of his soundbites, and rushed out a new attack video Sunday, claiming he’s a threat to national security.
Much of Corbyn’s appeal lies in his anti-establishment stance - the protests, the shorts and knitted jumpers, the unwavering rebelliousness.
Whether or not he can reign in some of his more subversive tendencies and play the game in a way that benefits the Labour party remains to be seen. His appointment of close friend and campaign manager John McDonnell, another bankbencher who’s not afraid to speak his mind, as shadow chancellor has worried some MPs.
The lack of women in front bench positions has also attracted criticism. Diana Johnson, Labour MP for Hull, led the charge in expressing her disappointment.
It is so very disappointing - old fashioned male dominated Labour politics in the top positions in Shadow Cabinet #notforgirls— Diana Johnson (@DianaJohnsonMP) September 13, 2015
The SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon and the Liberal Democrats’ president Sal Brinton were among those lamenting the leadership news.
“The Corbyn style of politics may generate a lot of noise but only one thing keeps government in check – credible opposition,” the latter said.
Time will tell just how credible Corbyn can make his fractured opposition seem.