Corbyn has for three decades sat on the Labour back benches speaking with conviction against nuclear weapons and war, often putting himself at odds with the party leadership. However, having unexpectedly won the party leadership himself, he has now carried out a minor — if haphazard — reshuffle, silencing or sacking those who speak against him.
Dugher is replaced by Maria Eagle, who moves out of the defense portfolio because of her pro-nuclear stance. Although it is official Labour policy to replace the current UK strategic nuclear deterrent — Trident — Corbyn is totally against it and is seeking to change party policy. This will prove controversial in the long-run for him, but moving Eagle out of the defense portfolio will help his chances.
Pleased to have been appointed to new role as Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1/4)
— Maria Eagle MP (@meaglemp) January 6, 2016
So after all that anticipation, super-minimal reshuffle. Dugher out. Thornberry in (defence). Maria Eagle from defence to culture. The End.
— Jim Pickard (@PickardJE) January 6, 2016
'Threat to National Security'
Into the Shadow Defense Secretary role goes Emily Thornberry, a lawmaker from the neighboring constituency to Corbyn in Islington, London.
Thornberry is — like Corbyn — anti-nuclear. However, her appointment drew a swift response from the Conservatives (CCHQ) which tweeted:
The appointment of Emily Thornberry as Shadow Defence Secretary confirms the Labour Party is a threat to our national security.
— CCHQ Press Office (@CCHQPress) January 6, 2016
A second CCHQ tweet said:
In Emily Thornberry Labour has a Shadow Defence Secretary opposed to Trident – she’d weaken Britain’s defences.
— CCHQ Press Office (@CCHQPress) January 6, 2016
More controversially, Corbyn sacked shadow Europe minister, Pat McFadden, for what party sources said were displays of "incompetence and disloyalty". McFadden is being replaced by Pat Glass, who chairs Labour's pro-EU group.
Pat McFadden made an outstanding contribution as shadow minister in arguing the case for Britain's place in EU. Privilege to work with him.
— Hilary Benn (@hilarybennmp) January 6, 2016
Pat Glass? Seriously?
— Alan March (@kopwas) January 6, 2016
However, Corbyn stepped back from sacking his Shadow Defense Secretary Hilary Benn who had been widely tipped for supporting military airstrikes in Syria — in a debate last December — in complete contradiction of Corbyn's views. However, sources have told Sputnik, Benn has been told to rein-in his comments and let Corbyn lead on defense issues. John McDonnell, the Shadow Chancellor, told the BBC that Benn had agreed to show unity from the frontbenches.
I made Hilary Benn an offer he couldn't refuse. #LabourReshuffle pic.twitter.com/IfCdWcmYxD
— Jeremey Corbyn (@jeremeycorbyn) January 6, 2016
"I haven't been muzzled. I am going to be carrying on doing my job exactly as before which is speaking for Labour on foreign policy, supporting Jeremy Corbyn and campaigning really hard to get Labour elected at the next general election," Benn told the BBC Wednesday.
There was swift reaction Wednesday to the reshuffle with several of his shadow cabinet resigning. Jonathan Reynolds, shadow rail minister, quit saying of Facebook: "On reflection regarding yesterday's Labour reshuffle, I have decided that it's best if I serve the Party as a backbencher. I've written to Jeremy this morning to let him know."
Stephen Doughty, Corbyn's Shadow Foreign Office Minister resigned live on television Wednesday morning.
British media last night pic.twitter.com/m4ZCoGn6QA #CorbynReshuffle
— Lightacandle (@lightacandleOTM) January 6, 2016
