Jeremy Corbyn accused of consistently undermining colleagues and tolerating abuse by Labour leadership rival Owen Smith
Hapless leftie is ‘more interested in deepening party divides than winning elections’ according to his challenger
JEREMY Corbyn has been accused of consistently undermining his colleagues by his Labour leadership rival Owen Smith as the pair prepare to square up in a prime time television clash.
The hapless leftie is "more interested in deepening the divides within the party than winning elections", according to his challenger.
In a stinging attack Mr Smith said Mr Corbyn has tolerated abuse in the party and his team has taken part in attacking staff.
Instead the Pontypridd MP, who is miles behind in the polls, promised to "bring an end to abuse and intimidation once and for all".
Ahead of a BBC One Question Time hustings special live from Oldham a dossier setting out why the party leader is the "disunity" candidate has been compiled by the former frontbencher's campaign team.
Mr Corbyn's team described it as a "dodgy" collection of rehashed claims that shows Mr Smith's desperation, but he insisted the leader has "repeatedly undermined" Labour staff.
His dossier states: "Jeremy Corbyn says he won't tolerate abuse but he has repeatedly downplayed or denied abuse was happening, told people to ignore it, criticised actions to tackle it and his campaign and those in his inner circle have actively taken part in it.
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"Jeremy Corbyn says he condemns attacks on Labour Party staff, saying they should not be used as a 'political football'. But he has repeatedly undermined Labour Party staff, his inner circle have actively attacked them and those around him are reportedly plotting to have them sacked.
"Jeremy Corbyn says that he doesn't support a rule change to deselect MPs. But he has himself warned of de-selections of Labour MPs."
Mr Smith said: "Jeremy is the disunity candidate in this contest. Labour has become increasingly divided on Jeremy's watch and the people around him, like John McDonnell, appear content with seeing the party split.
"By failing to act against abuse, attacking party staff and the NEC (National Executive Committee) and encouraging talk of de-selection, Jeremy has shown that he is both unwilling and unable to act as a unifying figure.
"That's not the leadership the Labour Party needs - it's not leadership at all.”
A Jeremy For Labour spokeswoman said: "Smith's dodgy dossier is a new low in his increasingly desperate and negative campaign.
"He has consistently talked down Labour rather than offer a convincing vision of the future including joining forces with Theresa May to attack the Labour leader on the morning of PMQs.
"Smith's latest helping of 'Project Fear' only recycles allegations he knows to be false or misleading, but it won't wash with Labour members and supporters who want open, honest politics.”