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Judge rules over 126,000 new members can vote in Labour's "civil war" leadership battle

Xinhua, August 9, 2016 Adjust font size:

A judge in London ruled Monday that over 126,000 Labour members told they could not vote in the party's leadership contest are eligible to vote.

The decision is seen as a victory for supporters of estranged leader Jeremy Corbyn who is fighting a challenge for his job from one of his former front team shadow ministers, Owen Smith.

The Labour Party said it will appeal Monday's decision, with a hearing expected to be heard later this week.

The case in the High Court in London was brought by five party members, including a teenage member. Their lawyers challenged a decision by Labour's ruling body, its NEC, which imposed a ban on anyone who joined the party after Jan. 12, 2016, from voting unless they paid an extra 25 pounds (32.5 U.S. dollars).

The judge, Justice Hickinbottom, said in his ruling the party's refusal to allow new members to vote would be an unlawful breach of contract.

He said: "It was the common understanding, as reflected in the rule book, that, if they joined the party prior to the election process commencing, as new members they would be entitled to vote in any leadership contest."

Later Labour's shadow chancellor John McDonnell urged the Labour Party not to appeal, saying it would be an unnecessary and costly process.

McDonnell added: "The party will be using members' money to try to stop members from voting. This is unacceptable."

Corbyn was chosen last September as leader attracting 250,000 votes after entering the race at the last minute as a 500-1 outsider. Since his election Labour's membership has rocketed to over 550,000, but the party, Britain's main opposition in parliament, is engulfed in its biggest ever crisis.

More than 170 Labour MPs backed a vote of no confidence in Corbyn and virtually of his front bench team resigned. Political experts believe the civil war could threaten the party if its divides into several factions.

Corbyn's rival has entered the leadership race on a unity ticket, saying only he can "save and unite" the party. Corbyn, however, has massive grass roots support. The result of the contest will be announced next month at the party's annual conference in Liverpool. Endit