Jeremy Corbyn hits back at 'nonsense' claims he will be too old to fight 2022 election
The Labour leader's spokesman is insisting the "extremely vigorous" politician will lead the party into the next general election.
Wednesday 17 January 2018 18:11, UK
Jeremy Corbyn's team have hit back at "nonsense" claims the Labour leader will be too old to take the party into the next election.
The 68-year-old was described as "extremely energetic" and "extremely vigorous" in a retort to suggestions his age could be a factor the next time voters head to the polls.
With the next general election not scheduled until 5 May 2022, anonymous members of Mr Corbyn's shadow cabinet are reportedly warning about their party leader's age.
If victorious in 2022, at close to the age of 73, Mr Corbyn would be the oldest person ever elected to 10 Downing Street for the first time.
Members of his shadow team are also reportedly concerned he will have to enter the 2022 vote promising to serve as prime minister for a full five-year term, until he is 78.
During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Theresa May mocked Mr Corbyn for appearing to give a statement rather than ask a question.
But the Labour leader's spokesman denied this was an example of a "senior moment".
"Jeremy will be continuing to lead the Labour party and fight the next election," he said.
"It's nonsense that the whole matter is in question, it's nonsense that he had a senior moment, it's nonsense on all fronts.
"Jeremy is extremely energetic, works extremely long hours and since he has been doing this job has performed at an extremely effective and high level.
"He is extremely vigorous. He has become more effective as a leader since he was first elected.
"I see no sign whatsoever that his age is an impediment to continuing to be leader."
In the wake of last June's snap general election, Glastonbury festival organiser Michael Eavis claimed Mr Corbyn had told him he would be Prime Minister by Christmas 2017.
The Labour leader has since claimed there will "probably" be another election within the next year.
Current septuagenarian world leaders include US President Donald Trump, while Mrs May is 61 and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable is 74.