Jeremy Corbyn’s ‘extreme inner calm’ is steadying Labour, says John McDonnell Jeremy Corbyn boasts an “extreme inner calm” which is bringing a “sense of steadiness” to the entire party, his closest […]

Jeremy Corbyn boasts an “extreme inner calm” which is bringing a “sense of steadiness” to the entire party, his closest ally has insisted.

“He has extreme inner calmness about him that can take anything that is thrown at him” John McDonnell on Jeremy Corbyn The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription.

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell paid tribute to the Labour leader’s resilience during a turbulent 18-month spell at the party’s helm.

“I have known him over 30 years. He has extreme inner calmness about him that can take anything that is thrown at him.

“But don’t underestimate his determination and just courage,” Mr McDonnell told i.

He added that Mr Corbyn’s inner calm “sees him through” and gives a “sense of steadiness to the whole administration”.

Mr Corbyn has faced internal fire from the moment he won the party’s leadership in 2015.

It culminated in a mass vote of no confidence in him from Labour MPs and a failed leadership challenge from Owen Smith last summer.

Corbyn ‘did the right thing on Article 50’

Since then, Mr Corbyn’s critics have largely fallen silent, although the party faced fresh turmoil when he imposed a three-line whip on Labour MPs ordering them to vote for Article 50, beginning the process of Brexit.

Fifty-two MPs ignored the instruction, but Mr McDonnell said the episode was evidence of the Labour leader’s steeliness and resolve.

“When there was a lot of pressure on him to buckle on Article 50, he said ‘look, the right move and wise move is having a three line whip’ and he courageously stood by that,” he said.

In an interview with i, Mr McDonnell also insisted that Labour would mount a strong parliamentary battle during the Brexit process to protect the economy, jobs, consumer rights and the economy.

Single market access top priority

He said maintaining the UK’s access to the single market would be Labour’s priority as Theresa May negotiated the terms of Britain’s departure from the European Union.

“We will be challenging them if we think any parts of that deal are not in the interests of the country,” the shadow Chancellor said.

“We will make sure we use our voting strength, not just in the Commons, but in the Lords as well.”