On the 13th of January Helena Horton of the Telegraph attempted the rags most pathetic smear of Jeremy Corbyn to date, suggesting the Labour leader was being frivolous in his desire to one day own a Raleigh Criterium bicycle, valued at £475. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/Jeremy_Corbyn/12097362/Jeremy-Corbyn-reveals-his-dearest-wish-is-a-475-bicycle.html

With Eric Pickles having spent half a million quid at the taxpayers expense, it seems that Jezza's desire for eco-friendly transport at 1000th of that cost is not unreasonable. Especially because he would most likely buy it out of his own pocket, when considering he is the lowest expenses claimant in the commons. I propose we make his dreams come true, by crowd funding his bicycle in time for his birthday in May. I will stick a quid in and all we need is 474 other people to do the same, in order to put a smile on Jez's face, but primarily it will really annoy the Telegraph, the Mail, the Sun, the Tories, UKIP ect. It will definitely be funny!

* This is actually going really fast, so if this project exceeds the £475, I am sure it won't be difficult to find out a charity that Jez would like the excess donated to. So please don't be dissuaded to donate if the target has been reached. Great support and solidarity from all involved so far!

* Just a little update. I have contacted Jeremy Corbyn's office to find out the causes he would like funds donated to and I am awaiting response. In order to maintain momentum with this, I am provisionally suggesting that excess funds be donated to Calais Action; a charity I am aware that our Jezza has already displayed support for.

I was recently in Calais and Dunkirk with Calais Action, and the situation particularly in Dunkirk is pretty grim. People are sleeping in tents that are submerged in inches of water. It is cold, wet, muddy and rat infested and the dropping temperature is going to be extremely problematic. There are no major NGO's out there and all of those providing aid are volunteers, who are not taking a wage and are willing to live of essentially rice and vegetables. Despite all of this spirits are high and people are still smiling, but donations are needed desperately. We all know that the refugee crisis was the story of the Summer, however as media coverage has become more diffuse so have donations, yet the need is still extremely prevalent.

Also, giving aid to refugees abroad is a perfect way to stick it to the right wing press again, because we all know how compassionately they have treated this humanitarian crisis.