Six things we learned from the Jeremy Corbyn interview in the Independent on Sunday

After what has been the most turbulent of Labour leadership contests in living memory, Jeremy Corbyn, the unassuming MP for Islington North, has emerged as the surprise front runner.

As news emerges that all the deputy candidates have confirmed they would serve under the left-winger, Corbyn sat down for an interview with the Independent on Sunday's political editor Jane Merrick.

Here are six things we learned:

1. He might bring back Clause Four

In a move away from New Labour, Corbyn hinted that he may reintroduce Clause Four - Labour's clear commitment to public ownership of industry - which was abolished by Tony Blair in 1995. Coming two years before Blair's entry to Number 10, the move was seen as a key step in making Labour more electable and one which the former prime minister called "the defining moment in the history of my party".

But Corbyn wants to see a return to public ownership "of some necessary things such as rail".

I think we should talk about what the objectives of the party are, whether that’s restoring the Clause Four as it was originally written or it’s a different one, but I think we shouldn’t shy away from public participation, public investment in industry and public control of the railways.

2. He's not against bringing back 'firebrands' like Derek Hatton

Derek Hatton was banned from Labour in 1986 after being found to be a member of the Trotskyist Militant group.

Corbyn said: "I think we’ve got to be open to bringing people back, but I’m not obsessed by it, I’m not that bothered by it… Many of the people who are supporting this campaign were born since the 1980s, they don’t even remember it because they weren’t around."

3. But he's definitely not looking backwards

While Liz Kendall claimed Corbyn's aim of renationalisation was a "throwback to the past", the man himself insists that he's looking forwards.

We’re not going back anywhere, we’re going forward, we’re going forward in democracy, we’re going forward in participation, we’re going forward with ideas.

4. He can tell jokes (sort of)

Despite his humourless reputation, and the popularity of @CorbynJokes on Twitter, at an event in London's Camley Street eco-hub in front of a packed room of volunteers, he did actually crack a joke. After pausing for effect, the MP said: "It is traditional we start every event with a moment’s silence, for thought..."

5. He wants everyone in the country to have their own garden

To give everyone a house and garden is very difficult in urban areas. But we can achieve something, and I’ve been involved with converting ground-floor car-parking spaces to growing areas on council estates in my area, giving people access to small growing areas. Children growing potatoes and tomatoes in their own soil is something they never forget.

6. And he loves his allotment

Corbyn owns his own allotment in East Finchley, north London and is currently growing potatoes, beans, soft fruit and apples.

I try to grow things that don’t require a lot of watering because I don’t get up there regularly enough. [But] I always make time for my allotment. You like a dry summer because the weeds don’t grow. You water what you need to water and the weeds can sod off.

Read the full interview here

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