The Labour Party MP insisted the whole party must “take responsibility” for the losses suffered during the general election but dodged questions on whether Jeremy Corbyn “made any mistake” during the campaign. Last Thursday Labour only secured 203 out of 650 seats available in the Commons, a loss of 60 compared to the previous snap election in 2017. But when confronted on whether the leadership contributed to the results, Mr Burgon attempted to minimise the leader’s role and blamed the defeat on Labour “underestimating” the impact Brexit would have on voters.

Speaking to BBC Politics Live host Jo Coburn, the Leeds East MP said: “I think the mistake that we made was being persuaded as a party that people didn’t quite want to get Brexit done as their top priority in the way that many people did.

“That’s why in the Labour Party, tragically, we lost 60 seats. Of those 60 seats, 40 were in leave areas and we need to reflect upon that.”

However, the BBC presenter appeared befuddled at his response, hitting back: “Right. But whose fault is that? What was the mistake? I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

Mr Burgon reiterated the party had failed to win over voters because of miscalculating the priority Brexit would have among potential Labour supporters.

JUST IN: Brexit Party MEP delivers stunning speech – ‘I am a proud Englishman, now is our time!’

Ms Coburn asked: “Someone has to be accountable.

“What responsibility are you taking? You were at the forefront of this campaign. You were representing Labour on the doorsteps – you yourself have said in an interview that Jeremy Corbyn was a negative on the doorstep when you were door-knocking.”

The Labour politician insisted the whole Shadow Cabinet would have to “take responsibility” for the defeat but rejected suggestions Jeremy Corbyn played a significant role in the loss.

He continued: “I said he was raised, as well as other leaders in the past, when I was campaigning for Tony Blair and Ed Miliband.

READ MORE: Emily Thornberry announces Labour leadership bid as she launches furious attack on Corbyn

“Of course, the leadership was raised as an issue but I think it’s intrinsically linked to the issue of Brexit.”

The Labour leader announced he would step down and not lead the party into the next general election shortly after the results of the general election became clearer last Friday. He has yet to set a timetable for his departure.

Historic Labour seats in northern England, including Bolsover and Blyth Valley, swung to the Conservative Party – a result commentators have suggested was the result of Labour’s unclear stance on Brexit. 

The defeat marked the worst loss Labour suffered since 1935, with the Conservatives securing an 80-seat majority over the Opposition.

DON’T MISS:

Should Sturgeon be allowed second independence referendum in 2020? VOTE [POLL]
Brexit Party MEPs’ brilliant response to Verhofstadt’s mocking of Farage [VIDEO]
Farage fears Barnier has laid ‘trap’ in Brexit trade talks with Merkel’s help [INSIGHT]

A new research paper called ‘Northern Discomfort: Why Labour lost the general election’ by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, showed many voters were frustrated by Mr Corbyn “sitting on the fence” instead of backing either Leave or Remain during what has been described as a “Brexit election”.

One voter, from Bishop Auckland, in County Durham, said in the research article: “He sticks on the fence. He says he’s neutral, how can he be neutral? You want to leave, or you don’t.”

Another person, from Worksop, added: “The Labour Party, their stance on Brexit was just wishy-washy for ages and I still think it is now.

“The message that they send over, are they for Brexit or are they against Brexit? Jeremy Corbyn still hasn’t said.”

One voter from Walsall said: “I don’t believe Jeremy Corbyn is a Remainer.

“He campaigned all his life to leave Europe, he didn’t like this establishment, so he’s a Brexiter and I’m not even convinced that he voted Remain in that referendum.”

Source: Read Full Article