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Jeremy Corbyn has come out in defence of his much-maligned shadow cabinet reshuffle, saying the party has emerged “stronger, more diverse and more coherent” as a result.
Maria Eagle, who supports the UK's nuclear deterrent in spite of her leader's opposition, was also demoted from her role as shadow Defence Secretary.
Writing in the Observer, Mr Corbyn called on the party to show unity and oppose the “systematic undermining” of democracy by the Conservative government.
In pictures: Jeremy Corbyn reshuffle
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The leader said he was confident Labour could "build a coalition of electoral support that can beat the Tories in four years’ time".
And he said the Tories were involved in a power grab “to rig the political system to keep themselves in power and weaken the opposition, both inside and outside parliament”.
“The real middle Britain – of insecure self-employment, rip-off private pensions, unaffordable housing, mounting tuition fee debt and crisis-ridden social care – is crying out for a Labour government committed to fundamental reform," he wrote.
“My election as Labour leader represented a deep-seated desire for change and for a new direction in our politics. It’s hardly surprising if some find that shift difficult to adjust to.
“But we will maintain a broad-based leadership, with space for a wide range of views and all the talents.
“Labour stands for social justice and prosperity for all. It exists to deliver the jobs, security, services and life chances denied to so many. That is what Labour is for. That’s why we are building the genuine democratic alternative that the Tories are so determined to stifle”.
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