Ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn re-elected as MP after running as independent in Islington North
Jeremy Corbyn has been re-elected MP in Islington North after standing as an independent.
The former Labour leader clinched a victory with more than 24,000 votes, compared to Labour candidate Praful Nargund who won more than 16,000.
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It will come as a huge relief to Mr Corbyn, who has represented the north London constituency for 40 years.
Speaking at the count, he said: "I want to place on record my enormous thanks to the people of Islington North for electing me for the 11th time."
He added: "We have shown what kinder, gentler and more sensible, more inclusive politics can bring about.
"I couldn't be more proud of my constituency than I am tonight and proud of our team that brought this result. Thank you very much Islington North for the result we have achieved tonight."
Islington North was on a knife edge, with the earlier general election exit poll saying that it was too close to call.
Mr Corbyn's team had appealed for an army of volunteers to help them campaign in the constituency, saying they faced an uphill battle against the Labour machine.
Mr Corbyn was suspended from the Labour Party and barred from standing for it following his response to an antisemitism report, examining his time as leader.
He led Labour between 2015 and 2020, resigning after the catastrophic results of the 2019 election.
The result in Islington comes during an otherwise successful night for Labour, with the exit poll putting Sir Keir Starmer on track for a landslide victory.
Mr Corbyn's successor looks set to secure a Labour election win for the first time since 2005 with an estimated 410 seats - more than double the amount won under Mr Corbyn at the last election and equating to an overall majority of 170.
One of Sir Keir's defining messages to the electorate was that he has changed the party since it was led by Mr Corbyn.
As well as his handling of the antisemitism row, Sir Keir has frequently criticised Mr Corbyn's manifestos, despite being part of his top team at the time.
Mr Corbyn has hit back on Labour attacks on him and hinted he could cause trouble for his old colleague if he enters Downing Street.
He has vowed to continue fighting for the policies in his manifesto - many of which Sir Keir previously backed but has since said he can't afford to implement.
