David Maddox: TUC’s part in Corbyn’s Labour Party

Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn addresses the TUC Conference at The Brighton Centre. Picture: Getty

If ANYBODY was in any doubt about who hopes to call the tune in the “new politics” of the Labour Party then it was given a very classical answer by the Hampshire String Trio commissioned to play at the Trade Union Congress ahead of Jeremy Corbyn’s speech.

The strains of I got rhythm had a few singing along with the words “I got my man. Who could ask for more?” And if economic policy could ever be set to music then Hey! Big spender! sums it up.

The only thing that spoiled the mood music was that the election of a “life long trade unionist” as Labour leader seemed to have left the atmosphere flat. As you walked around the Brighton Centre there did not seem to be unremitting joy for the election of an old leftie with real socialist values.

“Well some people have concerns…” said one woman at the TUC book stall. Even the man at the CND stall did not seem desperately happy about having a major party leader who believes in unilateral nuclear disarmament.

“Well I suppose it’s good news,” he said non-commitally. “Of course the important vote is next year.”

Was that a suggestion he thought there might be a different Labour leader next year? He kept his mouth shut.

Nevertheless Mr Corbyn was met with a joyous welcome from groupies as he entered the centre on the seafront. However, when he was announced to the assembled Congress there was loud applause but only sporadic cheers.

And then the applause stopped. And the stage was empty apart from some uncomfortable looking TUC officials.

“Er… Jeremy’s got held up, he’ll be with us shortly,” said an embarrassed chairman.

It appeared that Mr Corbyn was in no rush to pay the piper..