The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer: A Political Bombshell

The world of British politics is abuzz with the release of a new blockbuster book, Get In, The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer, written by renowned journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund. This gripping account delves into the inner workings of the Labour Party under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, offering unprecedented insights into the drama, strategies, and power struggles within the party. Among the many explosive revelations, one particularly compelling story stands out: the role of Sky News cameraman Aaron Scott in breaking the news of Jeremy Corbyn’s suspension to the former Labour leader himself in 2020.

Aaron Scott: The Cameraman Who Made History

Aaron Scott, a Sky News cameraman with a reputation for being in the right place at the right time, unwittingly became a key figure in one of the most defining moments of Jeremy Corbyn’s political career. The book reveals that Scott was the one who informed Corbyn of his suspension from the Labour Party in October 2020. This revelation is a stark reminder of how political news can unfold in the most unexpected ways, often captured by those behind the camera rather than in front of it. Scott, a New Zealand-born journalist, had been scheduled to film a pool interview with Corbyn at a suburban community center just days before Halloween. What transpired during that interview would go down in Labour Party history.

The Fateful Moment: Corbyn Learns of His Suspension

The day of the interview began like any other. Corbyn, then the leader of the Labour Party, had agreed to a cordial pool interview with Sky News, BBC, and ITV. The interview itself went smoothly, with no signs of the political earthquake that was about to strike. Once the interview was over, Corbyn’s part in the shoot was complete, and the Sky News reporter, Joe Pike, was called back to the office to cover other pressing political developments. Little did anyone know, this routine-turned-chaotic moment would change everything.

Back at the Sky News Westminster office, the news editor made a frantic call to Scott, who was still at the community center. The editor’s urgent question—“Is Jeremy still in the building?”—set off a chain of events that would leave Corbyn stunned. Scott confirmed that Corbyn was still present, gathering his belongings in the foyer and preparing to leave. The editor’s next words were explosive: “DON’T let him leave! He’s been suspended by the Labour Party!”

Scott, now thrust into an extraordinary situation, approached Corbyn with the devastating news. “Excuse me, Mr. Corbyn—I don’t know if you’ve heard what’s happened,” Scott said, his tone calm but laced with gravity. Corbyn, oblivious to the bombshell about to drop, replied simply, “No?” Scott then delivered the news: “Well, I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this—but apparently, you’ve been suspended from the Labour Party.”

Corbyn’s reaction was immediate and visceral. His face dropped, his body language shifted, and he uttered a shocked “WHAT?!?” The room around him seemed to freeze as his aides rushed to his side, scrambling to verify the news through news feeds, social media, and emails. The air was thick with tension, punctuated by expletives and frantic discussions.

DAMAGE CONTROL AND A DELAYED RESPONSE

In the aftermath of the shocking revelation, Corbyn’s team sprang into damage control mode. Scott, maintaining his composure, offered the former Labour leader and his aides some space to process the news. “Would you be prepared to give us a statement?” Scott asked, but Corbyn, still reeling from the suspension, understandably declined to comment until he had seen the official ruling. Scott, demonstrating a mixture of professionalism and empathy, suggested that Corbyn and his team take some time to gather their thoughts. “Look—I’m not going anywhere, and Joe will be back shortly. Why don’t you all go round the corner for a coffee, work out what you’d like to say, and then come back to us and we’ll record a statement from you?”

Corbyn and his aides took Scott up on his offer, retreating to a nearby café to regroup. Scott, meanwhile, waited patiently at the community center, ensuring that the cameras were ready when Corbyn returned. True to his word, Corbyn reappeared a few hours later, composed and prepared to address the suspension on camera. This impromptu interview would become one of the most memorable moments of Corbyn’s political career.

An Unlikely Figure in Labour Party History

Aaron Scott’s role in this dramatic episode has cemented his place in Labour Party history, even if he remains humble about his involvement. As recounted in the book, Scott’s actions that day were a testament to the unpredictable nature of political journalism. While reporters and cameramen often find themselves at the heart of breaking news, few can say they have delivered news as personally seismic as a party suspension to a former leader.

Scott’s account of the events, as shared in Get In, offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the high-stakes world of political reporting. His ability to remain calm under pressure and his respectful handling of the situation reflect the professionalism that has come to define his career. In a twist of fate, a cameraman who typically operates behind the lens found himself at the center of one of the most talked-about moments in recent Labour Party history.

The Bigger Picture: A Glimpse into the Turmoil of the Labour Party

The story of Corbyn’s suspension, as detailed in Get In, is just one of many explosive revelations in the book. Maguire and Pogrund’s meticulous reporting offers readers a vivid portrait of the turmoil that has defined the Labour Party in recent years, from the internal power struggles to the broader shifts in British politics. The book provides a deep dive into the challenges faced by Sir Keir Starmer as he attempts to unite the party and chart a new course in the post-Corbyn era.

For political junkies and casual observers alike, Get In is a must-read. It not only sheds light on the dramatic moments that shaped the Labour Party but also highlights the often-overlooked roles of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes—like Aaron Scott—to bring these stories to life.