Jeremy Corbyn defends Labour intervention which saw Haringey council leader Claire Kober quit

'It has been a unique situation.' 
Martin Coulter3 February 2018
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Jeremy Corbyn is set to defend the intervention which resulted in the leader of Haringey council's stepping down.

The Labour leader is expected to outline his plans to bring "municipal socialism" to the UK in a speech to party councillors on Sunday, according to The Guardian.

The speech follows Haringey council leader Clare Kober's announcement that she will step down in May, citing "sexism" and "bullying" from Corbyn supporters.

At the event in Nottingham, Mr Corbyn is expected to say: “It has been a unique situation, which is why the NEC unanimously asked the council leadership to put their plans on hold and take part in a mediation process – to bring everyone together.

Haringey council leader Claire Kober quits with blast at Corbynista 'bullying'

“Because when we bring people together and listen to everyone’s voices, we make better decisions.

"Democracy creates better outcomes for communities … Regeneration must put local people first, not property speculators.

"That’s why Labour is committed to giving residents the right to a ballot across the country so that when we’re in government we can deliver real regeneration for the many, not the few.

"With amazing creativity in the toughest of times, we are seeing the first shoots of the renaissance of local government for the many, not the few - the rebirth of municipal socialism."

After almost a decade in charge, Claire Kober revealed she will step down at the local elections in May after her ruling Labour group was ripped apart by activists belonging to the Corbynite group Momentum.

The centrist politician said she was “disillusioned” by the brutal campaign to scupper a flagship housing scheme which was personally opposed by her party leader.

She confirmed that she will leave a final decision on the stalled project, called the Haringey Development Vehicle, to the next council leader — meaning it will almost certainly be killed off.

The local elections are set to take place on Thursday, May 3.

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