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Jeremy Corbyn will resign as leader of the Labour party - but has not said when he will leave the job.

He said he would not lead the party in any future election campaign.

But he said he would lead the party during a period of "reflection" on tonight's result.

The grim-faced Labour leader, speaking after winning his Islington North seat, said it was his “pride and privilege” to continue as the MP for the North London area.

He confirmed: “I will not lead the party in any future general election campaign. I will discuss with my party to ensure there is a process now of reflection on this result.”

He added: “I will lead the party during that period to ensure that discussion takes place and we move on into the future.”

He said the ideas and principles of Labour were “eternal” and “will be there for all time”.

He added: “This is obviously a very disappointing night. But I want to say this.

“In the election campaign we put forward a manifesto of hope, a manifesto of unity and a manifesto that would help to right the wrongs and injustices and inequalities that exist in this country.”

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

Mr Corbyn was re-elected MP for Islington North, securing 34,603 votes - a majority of 26,188.

But it came during a torrid night of defeats the party.

poll loading When should Jeremy Corbyn quit? 1000+ VOTES SO FAR Today Before Christmas January After Brexit Later than that He shouldn't quit

Mr Corbyn arrived to the election count in Islington with his wife and sons, ignoring journalists’ questions of whether he’ll resign.

He said: "Thank you very much, nice to see you all here."

Labour activists applauded him as he walked into the centre in north London, where he spoke to several people and met the Monster Raving Loony Candidate.

(Image: REUTERS)

He arrived with wife Laura Alvarez and sons Tommy and Ben Corbyn.

His third son, Seb, is an aide to Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell.

It had been a brutal night for the Labour leader, with exit polls projecting his party to lose more than 70 seats.

Boris Johnson was predicted to win some 368 seats, handing him a thumping majority of 86.

Labour candidate Ruth Smeeth, who was expected to lose her Stoke South seat told Sky News: “This is an appalling, heartbreaking night for the Labour Party. But I’m much much more worried now about what happens to my constituents.”

She added: “ Jeremy Corbyn should announce that he’s resigning as leader of the Labour Party from his count today.

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