Corbyn rushed by Question Time audience while Smith awkwardly ignored
UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn won the debate against his challenger for the leadership of the Labour Party, Owen Smith, if the audience’s response at the end of BBC’s Question Time is any indication.
The winner of #bbcqt's Labour leadership special?
— Chris York (@ChrisDYork) September 8, 2016
Wavy hands man. pic.twitter.com/8BMwblMeQb
The showdown featured Smith attacking Corbyn on behalf of the pro-Israeli lobby while Corbyn sarcastically thanked his party colleague for offering him a "non-existent job" if he resigned from Labour.
A masterclass! Jeremy Corbyn takes down Owen Smith in 36 simple words on Question Time https://t.co/w4qZgSQ44F
— Nessa Childers MEP (@NChildersMEP) September 9, 2016
Throughout the debate, Smith was criticized on social media for his attacks on Corbyn and his calls to ignore the results of the Brexit referendum.
The highlights from #OwenSmith's car crash performance on #BBCQT this evening... #Brexitpic.twitter.com/zYfz5VGHKr#BBC#SKY#ITV#LABOUR#EU
— SUPPORTING BREXIT (@EUVoteLeave23rd) September 9, 2016
Dreadful performance from Owen Smith on #bbcqt. They could purge half the party and he still couldn't win this election.
— Ronan Burtenshaw (@ronanburtenshaw) September 8, 2016
I'm actually crying real tears 😂😭 #bbcqtpic.twitter.com/IOMQk9pPJ5
— Congolesa 🍚 (@judeinlondon) September 8, 2016
Once it was over and the credits rolled, the audience conducted an impromptu American-style caucus and made a direct path to the popular Labour leader for a selfie.
@OwenSmith_MP was not hurt in the stampede to get to @jeremycorbyn last night #bbcqt
— SwissSarah (@SwissOdyssey) September 9, 2016
Watching audience members on #bbcqt surrounding @jeremycorbyn for selfies as Owen Smith just leaves was so beautiful. #LabourLeadership
— Jamie Hynd 🌹 (@jim_hynds) September 9, 2016
To add insult to injury, Smith appeared to think one audience member was on his way over to him, but was awkwardly ignored by the man who was heading towards his rival.
The visual display of Corbyn’s popularity was a little awkward for the BBC, who have sought to paint the Labour leader as unpopular, along with the rest of the UK’s mainstream media (MSM).
Who do you think took tonight's #BBCQT?
— Huffington Post UK (@HuffPostUK) September 8, 2016
The anti-war leader remains popular despite the best efforts of the MSM and the Blairite wing of the Labour party.
Corbyn’s ability to attract big crowds and his anti-establishment credentials have drawn comparisons to Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, although his supporters will be hoping for a better outcome.
Jeremy Corbyn concedes that Bernie Sanders didn't win the nomination "but he changed the Democrats" pic.twitter.com/3wmzSbM8R9
— Adam Bienkov (@AdamBienkov) August 30, 2016
BBC are biased AF. We know this. But let's watch & tweet in support 4Jez #bbcqt#LabourLeadership#JeremyForLabour👇🏾 https://t.co/TKSfE7jId3
— VanityByNature (@VanityByNature) September 8, 2016
Corbyn is being challenged for leadership of the Labour Party after a host of resignations from senior members and a vote of no confidence among its MPs.
The winner is expected to be named on September 24.