Who is Jeremy Corbyn? Biography, Career & Net Worth

Jeremy Corbyn, born May 26, 1949, in Chippenham, England, emerged as one of Britain’s most polarizing political figures. A lifelong left-wing activist, Corbyn’s journey from grassroots campaigns to leading the Labour Party (2015–2020) was anything but ordinary.

From Rebel to Leader
Corbyn’s political roots ran deep. After a stint in local London councils and union work, he became MP for Islington North in 1983. For decades, he rebelled against his own party, opposing nuclear weapons, privatized railways, and Western foreign policies. A staunch ally of socialist icon Tony Benn, Corbyn’s radicalism kept him sidelined during Labour’s centrist “New Labour” era under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

The Shock Leadership Win
In 2015, Labour, reeling from a bruising election loss, needed a new leader. Corbyn, initially a fringe candidate, scraped onto the ballot after reluctant MPs backed him to “widen the debate.” Against all odds, his unapologetic socialist message ignited a fire. Packed rallies, viral momentum, and a surge of young supporters propelled him to a landslide victory with 59.5% of the vote.

Chaos, Crises, and Comebacks
Corbyn’s leadership faced immediate turbulence. Accusations of antisemitism within Labour tarnished his tenure, culminating in the suspension of high-profile figures like Ken Livingstone. Brexit further fractured his party. Though Corbyn campaigned halfheartedly for “Remain,” Labour MPs overwhelmingly rejected his leadership after the 2016 EU referendum. A no-confidence vote followed, but Corbyn refused to step down.

In a dramatic 2016 leadership challenge, he trounced moderate rival Owen Smith, securing 62% support. His resilience stunned critics, but divisions deepened.

The 2017 Election: David vs. Goliath
When PM Theresa May called a snap 2017 election to cement her Brexit mandate, Corbyn turned underdog. His manifesto—free tuition, renationalized railways, and NHS funding—resonated. Crowds flocked to his rallies, drawn by his earnest, grandfatherly demeanor. May’s campaign floundered, especially after her “dementia tax” backfired.

Against expectations, Labour surged, gaining 30 seats and stripping May of her majority. Corbyn’s “hope over fear” message had revitalized the left—but not enough to win.

Brexit Paralysis and Downfall
Corbyn’s ambiguous Brexit stance—criticizing Tory deals but refusing to fully back a second referendum—alienated both Leavers and Remainers. By the 2019 election, Labour’s message crumbled. Boris Johnson’s “Get Brexit Done” mantra, coupled with Corbyn’s unpopularity and antisemitism scandals, led to Labour’s worst defeat since 1935. The party lost heartland seats, and Corbyn stepped down.