The Jeremy Corbyn effect reflects failures on the left | Letters

This explosion for Jeremy Corbyn isn't about Corbyn as such; the political situation on the left has been building for years with no outlet - this is why the SNP stormed it when they took on a left mantle. Why Caroline Lucas increased her majority in Brighton. It is even why, to a degree, a section of older Labour voted for Ukip as a strong protest. These are manifestations of Labour's failure.

The immediate support for Corbyn's nomination was because he was at least on the right tracks, with the bonus that he is a man of great integrity. Everyone on the broad left then saw a chance to reset the agenda and move away from the rigid pro-austerity orthodoxy, and with a backdrop of economic crisis, wars, falling living standards, tuition fees etc, we have a perfect storm from the establishment's perspective. This is a serious movement with serious intent that has seen through the veil. There is also the Blair effect - a shift to Corbyn as a reaction to his toxicity. Be prepared for Gordon Brown to weigh in, too, just as in the independence campaign. I'm looking forward to the celebrations.
Terry Crow
Southampton