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Jeremy Corbyn has a lifetime’s experience of adversity and tonight it showed.

He spent 20 minutes answering questions from a studio audience and 20 minutes of Paxman. He survived – unscathed with his reputation enhanced.

Painted weak on defence, he disarmed his critics.

Two years’ ago Ed Miliband was floored by a question from a small business owner about Labour’s tax plans. Asked a similar question, Mr Corbyn passionately explained why he’d raise taxes.

More comfortable being quizzed about policy than personality, when asked why he was not regarded as a PM in waiting, he summarised the Labour manifesto.

(Image: Sky News)

He was rarely flustered and believes so strongly what he is doing is right, he is almost blind to how his policies can be seen.

While others might have been embarrassed by questions about being an IRA sympathiser, it barely registered. If an elephant sat on his car, Mr Corbyn would calmly note the indicators still worked.

The Labour leader will be happy with his performance. At the end he had the composure of a man after a hard day digging his allotment who was lounging in a chair admiring his runner beans.

(Image: Sky News)

By contrast Mrs May was as stilted as a stuffy headmistress trying to teach RE to rowdy sixth formers. The studio audience was unconvinced by her platitudes on the dementia tax, funding the health service, and cuts to education.

Several of her replies were met with silence, hollow laughter, or shouts of “b*****ks”.

Only when it came to Brexit was Mrs May able to demonstrate any authority.

Few will change their opinion of the Prime Minister after this TV grilling. But many may review their opinion of Mr Corbyn.