Chris Williamson: Jeremy Corbyn is best ever Labour leader and will be country's greatest PM

Former shadow minister Chris Williamson has claimed Jeremy Corbyn is the "best leader" Labour has ever had, including Clement Attlee.



Mr Williamson agreed to leave his position as shadow fire minister yesterday, saying he was quitting the frontbench so he could campaign "on a broader range of issues".

It came after he suggested Labour councils could double council tax for homeowners whose properties are worth more than £320,000.

A source close to Mr Corbyn confirmed his departure was "a mutual decision" and added: "We are not considering his council tax proposals."

Appearing on the Daily Politics today, the Derby North MP denied he had had a falling out with the Labour leader and said he had stepped down to work more closely with party members.

He went on to praise Mr Corbyn's leadership and said he would "transform" the country if elected:

"Jeremy Corbyn is a very close friend of mine, a good comrade and in my view the best leader this party has ever had and I include in that Clem Attlee," Mr Williamson said.

"He will be the best Prime Minister not just that the Labour party has ever produced but that this country has ever produced if we win the next election.

"We will transform this country and change the balance of power forever. I just hope Jeremy gets that opportunity and I'm sure he will with the right policies that we are developing now."

He also defended his council tax proposals and suggested Labour could use legislation brought in by the Conservative government allowing local authorities to raise more tax from ratepayers.