Jeremy Corbyn has said he is horrified by the sexual harassment allegations in Westminster and some claims the Labour party has received have been disturbing.

In an interview with the magazine Grazia, Corbyn said there would be a general election in the next 12 months, which Labour “will probably win”, and that he was “ready to be prime minister tomorrow”.



On the sexual harassment claims that have seen a string of MPs from all parties suspended or placed under investigation after the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the #metoo movement, Corbyn said he had “not [heard] many whispers” about inappropriate behaviour prior to this and had been shocked by the allegations.

He said: “I’m horrified and appalled by it all. I think sexism is a real challenge in society that needs to be dealt with. The allegations are all investigated and dealt with as appropriate. We support the people making them as well as the people being alleged against.”

Corbyn said Labour was “not dealing with huge numbers” of allegations but added: “We’re dealing with some cases and they are of course disturbing when you get them.

“But we have a process, including a confidential hotline and an independent person to investigate. I’m utterly determined all Labour party events will be a safe place for women to go to.”

When asked about Brexit and why his party were not campaigning to reverse the decision in a second referendum, he said that some people had been “extremely irresponsible in what they did and said” in the campaign but “we have to recognise it was the largest participation of people in an electoral process ever in Britain and they chose to leave”.

Corbyn has been facing pressure to spell out in more detail what Brexit settlement Labour would support and Theresa May repeatedly ribbed him over what she said was Labour’s ambiguous position in the House of Commons last week.

He said his priority was ensuring there was enough time for a smooth transition: “I think we should continue putting pressure on the government to allow a transition period to develop, because at the moment we’re in danger of getting into a complete mess in March 2019.”

On Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, Corbyn – known for his republican beliefs – said “she’s clearly a very decent person”.

He added: “Weddings come pretty pricey, I understand, but I think the cost should be borne by the family themselves.”

Asked what trait he most deplores in himself, he said untidiness.