Jeremy Corbyn 'fancies his chances' in Scotland ahead of new party launch

Jeremy Corbyn has said he “fancies the chances” of his new party in Scotland ahead of its official launch.

The former Labour leader was in Glasgow supporting striking hotel workers on Friday afternoon.

He was in the city ahead of the official launch of his new political party which is currently unnamed.

Corbyn also said he would support a second referendum on Scottish independence if the people of Scotland wanted it.

“I understand the rights and needs of self-determination in Scotland and elsewhere,” he told STV News.

“The Scottish people have a right to decide their own future. Therefore if the Scottish people want a second referendum, that’s fine by me, and I would support that.”

Asked what he thought of the possible success for his new party in Scotland, Corbyn said: “Of course I fancy our chances, with the number of supporters we’ve got and the power and the simplicity of the message.”

Corbyn said his party has received 800,000 sign-ups across the UK since it launched.

He is expected to attend the launch of the first Scottish branch in Glasgow next month.

Responding to criticism from Nicola Sturgeon in her memoir in which she accused him of “sneering superiority”, Corbyn said she should “get over it”.

“I’m astonished she should say that,” he said.

“Nicola, if you’re watching this, get over it, just get over it.

“I thought you and I got on quite well when I was leader of the opposition and you were leader of the SNP. I seem to remember some quite convivial conversation.

He added: “Lets have a cup of tea.”

Corbyn launched the new political party with former Labour MP Zarah Sultana, which still does not appear to have a name but is marketed as “Your Party”.