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Jeremy Corbyn set out plans to rebuild Britain as he declared Labour is ready to win a general election – and lead us into Brexit and beyond.

The Labour leader is ready to deliver his alternative plan for leaving the EU and to head a government “for the many, not the few”.

Labour could press for a vote of no-confidence in the Government as soon as this week, as a poll put it five points ahead of the Tories.

It came as pressure increased from within the Prime Minister’s inner circle to call a general election and end the Brexit deadlock.

Mr Corbyn told the Mirror: “We’re ready for a general election, whenever it comes. Labour has an alternative Brexit plan and we are ready to deliver it.”

But he added: “An election must be about the future of our country, not just Brexit.”

Vowing to “rebuild and transform Britain”, he said: “A general election would give us the chance to remove this incompetent and failed Tory government.

(Image: REUTERS)

“Whether people voted Leave or Remain, they face problems of falling living standards, rising job insecurity and cuts to essential services across the country. Labour will bring people together.”

Polling placed Labour on 41%, the Tories on 36%. If repeated at an election, it would leave just 264 Tory MPs, with 307 for Labour.

Although that would leave Mr Corbyn 19 seats short of an overall majority, it would make him the best placed to form a Government.

He said: “We take nothing for granted and understand the disappointment the public has with politics.

“But if an election is called, it would be the chance to change politics in a fundamental way, take on the failed elite who have held back people and communities, and carry out a radical programme of change which truly benefits the many, not the few.”

(Image: Getty Images)

The likelihood of Theresa May calling an election appeared to grow last week, after her deal was rejected for the third time.

Top No10 aides, including media chief Robbie Gibb, were understood to be pressing Mrs May to call an election. But if she fails to do so, Labour could trigger one if they win a vote of no-confidence. Their last bid in January failed by just 19 votes.

Mr Corbyn would then have two weeks to form a government on his own, before an election is automatically triggered.

Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson said the party was preparing for an imminent general election and European elections, in case of a further Brexit delay. He told the BBC yesterday: “I’ve spoken to Jeremy last night. He’s putting us on election footing.”

In recent weeks Labour has been testing slogans and messaging for the campaign trail. Mr Corbyn will appear at a string of large public rallies. Party bosses have prepared a “grid” of which Shadow Cabinet member will go where and when through the six-week run-up to polling day.

And Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has been speaking to ministers on costings for plans in government.

(Image: BBC)

And Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has been speaking to ministers on costings for plans in government.

Mr Watson said it was “inconceivable” a Labour manifesto for a snap election would not include a second referendum. He said: “We need to move beyond Brexit ...the only way we can do that is with a People’s Vote.”

Former Labour PM Tony Blair said the party faces defeat from Boris Johnson-led Tories unless it abandons Mr Corbyn’s “revolutionary” politics.

(Image: BBC)

His Tory predecessor John Major said only a government of national unity could break the deadlock.

He said: “It would be in the national interest to have a cross-party government.”

MPs will hold a second round of indicative votes tonight with no-deal, a second referendum and a customs union all set to be on the table.

Mrs May was expected to try to bring her deal back for yet another vote tomorrow or Wednesday – despite it being rejected three times by MPs.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry lashed the “out of control” PM, telling Sky News: “Even with days to go she is saying ‘It’s my deal or no deal.’ That is not democracy.”

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Senior ministers including Justice Secretary David Gauke, Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd and Business Secretary Greg Clark are set to resign if Mrs May chooses to pursue a no-deal exit.

But a letter signed by 170 Tory MPs demanded Brexit soon, with or without a deal.

Deputy Tory chairman James Cleverly said election planning was taking place.