In his first-ever interview with a woman’s magazine, Jeremy Corbyn told Grazia that he is 'ready to be Prime Minister tomorrow,' and that if there is an election in the next 12 months, 'he will probably win.'
A striking statement from the Islington North MP and Labour Party Leader who only two years ago, was given 200/1 odds of securing his current leadership. Proving that two years is a long time in politics, he has been catapulted to stardom; most memorably peaking in his legendary appearance at Glasto this summer with crowds of festival-goers chanting his name.
As well as talking about his election hopes for next year, Corbyn also addressed rise in the number of allegations of misconduct against men in positions of power - specifically the Westminster sexual harassment scandal, which saw a string of sexual misconduct allegations shaking the foundations of Westminster earlier this year, which later resulted in a series of MPs across parties being suspended or investigated. Speaking to Grazia, he admitted that 'I'm horrified and appalled by it all. Sexism is a real challenge in society that needs to be dealt with.'
Some of these allegations will have come directly to him from within his party. When asked how he dealt with them, he said 'we're not dealing with huge numbers. We're dealing with some cases and they are of course disturbing when you get them, including a confidential hotline and an independent person to investigate. that they 'are all investigated and dealt with as appropriate. We support the people making them as well as the people being alleged against.'
As party leader, Corbyn says he is 'utterly determined' to make all Labour party events 'a safe place for women to go,' He also outlines the measures already in place to support those affected by such misconduct and to promote equality in the work place of the Labour Party.
But despite this, research earlier this year saw that 1 in 5 women have admitted to being sexually harassed in the work place. 2017 also saw the development of the ever-turning wheel in the Weinstein scandal and now, the Westminster accusations.
As a result we are prompted to question - is parliament really doing enough to tackle this - or is this a case of too little, too late?
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.