Jeremy Corbyn's allies ridiculed over website highlighting concerns he is an 'unelectable terrorist sympathiser'
The 'I Like Corbyn, But...' website
Laura Hughes, Political Correspondent
Steven Swinford, Deputy Political Editor
20 April 2017 • 10:00am
Laura Hughes
Steven Swinford
Jeremy Corbyn's allies are facing ridicule for promoting a website which highlights concerns that he is an unelectable terrorist sympathiser who is too old for the job.
Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, has endorsed a website called "I like Corbyn but" which attempts to dispel concerns about the Labour leader.
I Like Corbyn, But... https://t.co/xZPMEvtpjH
— Diane Abbott MP (@HackneyAbbott) April 20, 2017
It highlights 10 criticisms of Mr Corbyn that could make people less likely to vote for him.
The website claims to be created by volunteers, but was actually registered by a political adviser to Labour's Campaign Chair Andrew Gwynne.
Mr Gwynne's adviser told the Telegraph that he did not create the site even though it was registered in his name.
The website was made before he worked for the Labour party during a 'coders for Corbyn' project last year.
Reasons why voters might not support Mr Corbyn include questions such as, 'is he even electable?, 'isn't he a socialist?' and 'I've heard he's is a terrorist sympathiser'.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA
On concerns that Mr Corbyn is too old, the website states that he is "a fit and healthy 67-year-old". It says: "He has demonstrated remarkable stamina during the current leadership campaign and is supported by strong cabinet team of experienced politicians and campaigners."
The website also appears to get the age Mr Corbyn would be if elected Prime Minister wrong, suggesting he would be 71 years old.
And on concerns "his attitudes about defence worry me", it states: "Corbyn takes the security and defence of the UK seriously, but his approach to security is significantly different from many other leaders - emphasising security not only for us in the UK, but for our troops in foreign countries. He sees conflict as a last resort."
This morning the Conservatives responded by suggesting that even at the highest levels of the shadow Cabinet and Labour's election campaign, there are concerns over Mr Corbyn's stance on tax, defence and terrorism.
Luke Hall, the Conservative MP, said: "Even the man running Labour's election campaign knows that Jeremy Corbyn would lead a weak and unstable government, propped up by the Liberal Democrats and the SNP.
"They would weaken our economy by raising taxes, and weaken our defences by scrapping our nuclear deterrent".
"Only a vote for the Conservative Party will ensure strong leadership, certainty and stability for our country."