-
Please stop saying mandate like it means something in this context. Or in fact could everyone just stop saying it all together.
Those MPs were voted in for a multitude of reasons, seeing as I don't recall any one of them setting out their case that if elected they would challenge JC's leadership then no explicit 'mandate' is given.
Their mandate probably includes being a good local MP, championing local issues, not being a Tory that kind of thing.
salmonchild-
Please stop saying mandate like it means something in this context.
The word is possibly unhelpful, agreed. However, it is used as a rebuff by Corbyn and his allies to any and all criticism of his leadership. Especially to make the point that it doesnt matter if none of his MPs have any confidence or respect for him, because of his 'mandate'. Maybe the MPs don't have a mandate in the same sense, but whatever they have, I think it's important.
William.
Yes, but 170 of them have no confidence in him. Not just one individual. Together, as a group, they have a bigger, and more crucial mandate.