Now Corbyn has triumphed, Labour’s real civil war begins

Jeremy Corbyn has never been in a stronger position as Labour leader than he is today. A leadership contest that was meant to topple—or at the least, weaken him—has ended up solidifying his position. His Labour critics came for him, and he defeated them. He garnered 61.8 percent of the vote in this leadership contest, even more than he received last year. He won a majority among full members, something he just failed to do in the first round last time. He can, justifiably, say that the Labour membership have seen the leadership he is offering, and voted for more of it.

Corbyn might have said, to his critics, ‘let’s wipe that slate clean’ in his victory speech. But this isn’t going to happen: there’s simply too much bitterness on both sides. The Corbynites will, soon enough, go after all those who stand in their way, from the general secretary and the deputy leader to party staff and regional organisers.