Jeremy Corbyn

Jeremy Corbyn

ABOUT

Jeremy Bernard Corbyn, born on May 26, 1949, in Chippenham, Wiltshire, England, is a British politician who served as the Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition from 2015 to 2020. A member of Parliament (MP) since 1983, Corbyn represents the Islington North constituency. Known for his democratic socialist stance, Corbyn's leadership marked a significant shift to the left for the Labour Party. Throughout his career, he has been a staunch advocate for social justice, anti-austerity measures, and has championed various human rights issues.

BEFORE FAME

Corbyn's early years were marked by a deep involvement in political activism. He attended Adams' Grammar School before briefly studying at North London Polytechnic; however, he left without completing his degree. During the 1970s, Corbyn worked as a trade union organizer and was heavily involved in anti-war and anti-racism movements. His early political views were influenced by his parents’ commitment to social causes; his mother was a mathematics teacher and his father, an electrical engineer, both of whom were peace campaigners.

TRIVIA

• Jeremy Corbyn was awarded the Gandhi International Peace Award in 2013 for his consistent efforts in promoting peace and advocating for disarmament.
• As a backbencher, Corbyn was known for his rebellious streak, frequently voting against the Labour Party line, particularly notable during Tony Blair's leadership.
• He has been a vegetarian since the age of 20 and has advocated for the rights of animals, urban gardening, and environmental sustainability.

FAMILY LIFE

Corbyn has been married three times and has three sons from his second marriage to Claudia Bracchitta, a Chilean exile. His parents, Naomi and David Corbyn, were both activists involved in various political causes. He grew up in a politically active household, which heavily influenced his career path. Despite the media attention and political scrutiny, Corbyn has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing public attention on his political endeavors.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout his career, Jeremy Corbyn has been closely associated with several prominent political figures and movements. He worked alongside and often opposed Tony Blair and Gordon Brown during their premierships due to his divergent political views. Corbyn has also been associated with international figures such as Nelson Mandela, whose release from prison he campaigned for during the apartheid era. Additionally, during his time as leader, Corbyn's allies within the Labour Party included John McDonnell, who served as the Shadow Chancellor, and Diane Abbott, a long-time friend and political collaborator.

Jeremy Corbyn remains a significant figure in British politics, known for his unwavering commitment to social justice and his influence on the Labour Party’s direction in the 21st century.