This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
Published on October 29, 2019, Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, has announced his support for an early general election, likely paving the way for a vote in December.
Corbyn made the announcement during a meeting of his leadership team, setting the stage for a general election to be held as the country prepares for its departure from the European Union.
Corbyn's party had previously refused to back a motion for a December 12 general election, but with the European Union extending the Brexit deadline to January 31, Corbyn has now given his support for an early election.
"We will now launch the most ambitious and radical campaign for real change our country has ever seen," Corbyn said in a statement. "This is a once in a generation chance to build a country for the many, not the few. It's time."
Corbyn's support for an early election comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson lost a vote on the issue on Monday, when Corbyn's party refused to back a motion for a December 12 general election.
Johnson immediately announced plans to introduce a bill to get around the requirement for a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament, and Corbyn's support for an early election is likely to pave the way for a vote in December.
