Hilary Benn denies Labour coup, rules out leadership bid
Hilary Benn: 'I have absolutely no interest in leading the Labour party'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hilary Benn has denied he would be part of a "coup" against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, ruling out making a bid to become leader himself.
The shadow foreign secretary told The Guardian: “I can look you in the eye and say, no, no, no. I have absolutely no interest in leading the Labour party. And that is the truth.
"It’s a very difficult and challenging job. And I don’t want to do it.”
He also denied that defying Mr Corbyn during the debate on air strikes in Syria was a betrayal, but he told the paper there was a "bit of tension" and they were "in an awkward situation".
“I didn’t betray anybody," he said. "How could standing up for what you think is the right thing to do in these circumstances ever be betrayal?”
Mr Corbyn previously said he was "appalled" that MPs clapped, shouted and cheered Mr Benn's passionate speech in favour of bombing Isis in Syria.
Mr Benn told The Guardian he intends to debate in the Commons whether Labour should support the replacement of Trident nuclear submarines.
"We’ve got the deterrent coming up, and Jeremy knows there are people in the shadow cabinet who agree we should maintain it, and those who think we should get rid of it," he said.
"People are entitled to express their view on that subject. And on the rest, we’re going to work together.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments