Jeremy Corbyn has told Sky News he will back an early general election in any circumstances.

The Labour leader said he would support the move, which has to be supported by two-thirds of MPs to happen.

He insisted the party would "do everything to stop no-deal" at a speech in Salford but initially dodged questions over whether he would still support the poll if it enabled a no-deal Brexit by being held on or after 31 October.

Image: Jeremy Corbyn said 'of course' he wants an election

But asked later by Sky News if he would support an election in any circumstances, Mr Corybn said "of course".

"We are the opposition party, we want a general election," he added.


The comments put him directly at odds with the advice of Tony Blair, who warned Labour should not "fall into the elephant trap".

The former prime minister urged Mr Corbyn to focus instead on blocking no-deal in fewer than 60 days by writing a law compelling Boris Johnson to delay Brexit.

Asked if he would vote for Labour at the next general election, Mr Blair said: "That's a really difficult question. Because of the struggle I have with other aspects of Labour policy.

"There are some huge problems with the Labour Party. I personally believe so strongly on Brexit that I would do virtually anything to stop it."

Pushed if that "included voting for Jeremy Corbyn", he said: "Yeah, including that."

Blair pressed on whether he will vote Labour

Mr Corbyn could struggle to convince some of his MPs to back an early election.

Owen Smith, his former rival in the 2016 Labour leadership election, tweeted as talk grew of an imminent election being held to break the Brexit deadlock: "In no way is it in Labour's - or the UK's - interest to vote for a general election.

"Boris Johnson will use it as cover for a Brexit that'll kill off the last of our industry and provide all the excuses the hard-right need to introduce the low tax, low wage, unregulated economy they've always wanted."

Labour MP Darren Jones also posted: "Given the lengths this Prime Minister will go to I won't be voting for a general election if it risks a no-deal Brexit happening.

"The first and only priority at this stage should be emergency legislation to stop a no-deal Brexit. No doubt an election will come after that."