The Corbyn Effect

“Jeremy Corbyn has re-packaged socialism into something progressive and essential, something that isn't archaic as we've been told it is for so long. Striving for justice and fairness isn’t a sign of our weakness but the sign of our great strength. That’s The Corbyn Effect for me and this book explains why.” - Maxine Peake Labour’s performance in the June 2017 General Election came as a surprise to almost everyone. Few, from the most committed supporters of Jeremy Corbyn to seasoned political commentators, expected the Labour vote share to rise so dramatically and seats to be won with such substantial swings. The Corbyn Effect is the first serious attempt to understand this exciting new phenomenon in British politics. In specially- commissioned essays, writers, academics and activists from across political generations explore the meaning, limitations and potential of Corbynism. How has Corbyn changed the Labour Party? Is his support inside and outside the party likely to last? What can we expect a Corbyn government to achieve?

Table of Contents:
Keynote Essay Mark Perryman Across a crowded room Understanding 08.06.17 Andrew Gamble The rise and fall of Mayism Jeremy Gilbert The roots and results of the Corbyn surge Jessica Garland Labour's new model activism Gerry Hassan Scotland vs the rest The Framing of Corbynism Hilary Wainwright Can Labour ever be Labour united Des Freedman It's The Sun wot won't win it Eliane Glaser The authenticity of hope Monique Charles Grime Labour The Limits of Corbynism Sue Goss The Labour tribe Marina Prentoulis Lessons from Syriza Jo Littler Meritocracy vs universalism Phil Burton-Cartledge The Labour Party as a social movement The Potential of Corbynism Maya Goodfellow No more racing to the bottom Paul Surridge Mapping a Labour target seat strategy James Dorran The Road to, and from, PASOKIfication Jack Kellam The perils of being left and populist

About the Author :
Mark Perryman was the editor of both The Blair Agenda and The Moderniser’s Dilemma in the 1990s. A regular contributor on Corbynism to a variety of left-wing publications, Mark has also written widely on Englishness and the politics of national identity. He lives and works in Lewes, East Sussex.

Review :
'It appears likely that Jeremy Corbyn will one day inhabit 10 Downing Street. More than a destination however, The Corbyn Effect takes that as a starting point. This is a must-read for understanding not only how we got here, but where we are going. Read it to inform yourself about a historical moment whose consequences will be felt for a lifetime.' - Aaron Bastani, Co-Founder of Novara Media 'Far from being a ship in the night, as most political commentators and actors on the left and right dismissed him, Jeremy Corbyn is here to stay. He was a revelation in the 2017 general election campaign and did what no Labour leader has succeeded in doing since 1979, namely undermined the dominance of neoliberalism. Understanding Corbyn, his significance and his potential, is a key task. This book will surely make an important contribution.' - Martin Jacques, Former Editor Marxism Today 'The Corbyn phenomenon is the biggest turnaround for the left in Europe in decades - nothing short of a post-Blairite resurrection. Understanding it, learning from it, completing it and repeating it is vital. The Corbyn Effect rises to the challenge.' - Jon Lansman, Chair of Momentum 'Love or loathe Jeremy Corbyn, Labour is never going back to a pre-Corbyn era, so we'd better understand why Pasokification happened within and not without Labour, and what it means for the future of the left - for good and bad. The Corbyn Effect is a brilliant collection of essays that helps us think through the possibilities of the revolution that is sweeping through Labour and possibly the country.' - Neal Lawson, Chair of Compass 'Jeremy Corbyn has re-packaged socialism into something progressive and essential, something that isn't archaic as we've been told it is for so long. Striving for justice and fairness isn't a sign of our weakness but the sign of our great strength. That's the Corbyn effect and this book explains why.' - Maxine Peake 'Jeremy Corbyn's Labour has breathed life into the fading hopes of many party members and hordes of others who stayed outside a timid, neoliberal machine, offering little hope and even fewer dreams. Party members have again found their place in a dynamic, revitalised democratic party, which they have done so much to shape and place on the verge of power. This book tells us that story.' - Heather Wakefield, Head of Local Government, Police and Justice, UNISON