Jeremy Corbyn writes to top civil servant Sir Mark Sedwill over 'too frail' claims
The Labour leader exchanges letters with the cabinet secretary to reiterate his anger about reported allegations about his health.
Tuesday 2 July 2019 16:17, UK
Jeremy Corbyn has written to Britain's most senior civil servant to demand a "speedy and thorough independent investigation" into reported claims the Labour leader is "too frail" to be prime minister.
In a letter to Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill, who is in charge of the civil service, Mr Corbyn reiterated his anger at allegations about his health by senior civil servants in The Times.
At the weekend, the newspaper reported top figures in Whitehall have become increasingly concerned that Mr Corbyn is not "physically or mentally" ready to enter 10 Downing Street.
One senior civil servant was quoted as saying the Labour leader is being "propped up" by his close aides.
Mr Corbyn has previously called for a probe into the "fictitious information" and has now exchanged letters with Sir Mark.
In his reply to the top official, the Labour leader revealed Sir Mark has agreed to meet with him and offered "assurances" about the articles.
"This matter has inevitably undermined confidence in the principle of civil service neutrality, which is integral to the healthy functioning of our democracy," Mr Corbyn wrote.
He added: "For there to be trust in any investigation, there need to be assurances on its scope and independence.
"In the light of this, I would urge you to ensure that there is a speedy and thorough independent investigation, rather than one carried out by the Cabinet Office."
In the House of Commons on Monday, Labour's shadow cabinet office minister Jon Trickett raised a point of order to hail Mr Corbyn's "legendary" fitness as he criticised the "undemocratic and unconstitutional intervention".
Commons' Speaker John Bercow replied: "The leader of the opposition looks perfectly healthy to me.
"I've known him a long time. He's a very healthy-living fellow in my experience."
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Mr Bercow also stressed there is a "sacred" convention buttressing the civil service's impartiality.
Downing Street has condemned the claims about Mr Corbyn.
Prime Minister Theresa May's official spokesman said: "Impartiality is one of the fundamental values of the civil service and underpins its ability to effectively serve the government of the day.
"It would clearly be inappropriate and unacceptable for comments of this sort to have been made or briefed to the press."