A LABOUR activist has called claims that Jeremy Corbyn threatens young people’s ambitions “utterly ridiculous.”

Alex Holmes, secretary of Redbridge Young Labour, slammed Redbridge Conservative leader Paul Canal’s suggestion that young people “should work elsewhere” if the Labour leader becomes Prime Minister.

Mr Holmes accused Cllr Canal of spreading fear and ignoring young people’s worries.

He said: “While the Labour party in Redbridge is setting a great example for how to reach out to young people, I find the remarks that Councillor Canal made this week regarding young people needing to leave the UK if Jeremy Corbyn becomes PM to be utterly ridiculous.

“As leader of the Conservative Group in Redbridge, he has made himself clear that he does not intend to listen to concerns raised by young people.

“His fearmongering will not work. Young people want to hear about policies and for there to be a grown-up discussion.

“It is regrettable that Councillor Canal doesn’t seem to be willing to take part in that discussion.”

Mr Holmes was at the launch of Redbridge Young Labour at Wanstead Library on Thursday, November 30.

Redbridge Young Labour is aimed at those interested in politics who are aged between 14 and 26.

The group is a local branch of Labour’s national youth organisation with its own independent and democratic processes.

Mike Gapes, Labour MP for Ilford South and Cllr Jas Athwal, Labour leader of Redbridge Council, attended the launch.