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Jeremy Corbyn appeals for unity as he wins leadership

Jeremy Corbyn has swept to victory in the Labour leadership campaign.

Mr Corbyn comfortably won the contest defeating challenger Owen Smith by a significant margin. He took 62% of the votes and polled 313,309 votes against 193,229 votes for Owen Smith.

In an acceptance speech after the result was declared he said it was vital to work together and announced plans for a mass rally on education to oppose more grammar schools.

"The Tories plans for grammar school education expose their damaging and divisive education agenda," he said.

The leadership battle was triggered by MPs unhappy with Mr Corbyn's leadership and mass resignations from his shadow cabinet.

Labour leadership front runner Jeremy Corbyn makes his speech in Ramsgate. With thanks to Sarah Henney for the picture
Labour leadership front runner Jeremy Corbyn makes his speech in Ramsgate. With thanks to Sarah Henney for the picture

Mr Corbyn has made clear he will work to halt the government's plans to lift a block on new grammar schools.

At a rally in Ramsgate recently, he said he opposed the return of selection in schools.

Deputy party leader John McDonnel said that party's' rally next Saturday to oppose grammar school expansions was an example of a key issue around which the party was united.

Senior Labour MP Andy Burnham said the party should now pull together or risk splits that could prove terminal.

Mr Corbyn's victory arguably has strengthened his mandate even though many of his MPs remain unhappy about his leadership.

Owen Smith lost out to Jeremy Corbyn in leadership contest
Owen Smith lost out to Jeremy Corbyn in leadership contest

Turnout was high at an estimated 77% with about half a million voters taking part.

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