IT is a fascinating time in politics. Labour has announced the outcome of its leadership election result and the party that was created at the dawn of the 20th century to uphold workers’ rights and to stand up for those who need help has resoundingly and convincingly elected Jeremy Corbyn.

I like Jeremy Corbyn. He is likeable, immensely polite and well-mannered and someone who cares deeply about those who he believes need help. That’s not say that I don’t disagree with strongly with his politics – especially those on the economy.

He is having an interesting first week. He has exercised his right as a republican and pacifist to stay silent during the National Anthem at the memorial of those who gave their lives at the Battle of Britain and in so doing has drawn criticism from his newly appointed shadow ministers. This highlights the fact that whilst the Labour Party as a whole could not have been clearer about who they want as their leader, their MPs are overwhelmingly against his policies and leadership style.

So why should this be of interest or even importance to everyone in Wyre Forest?

The fact is the Leader of the Opposition is a constitutional post. Our political system has been built up over the best part a millennium and effective opposition is crucial in holding the government to account. It is the way parliament makes better laws than would otherwise be the case, challenging the opinions and orthodoxies of those making laws. For the system to work properly, political parties need to be well led and united.

This is the problem with the opposition at the moment. The leader’s views and opinions are shared by a minority of his MPs. Those who are in his inner circle are those who share his politics; the rest of the shadow cabinet and wider minsters do not. So at the moment, the opposition does not have a coherent set of alternative proposals to the current government.

Of course, that may change over time. It may well be the case that Corbyn settles into the flow of his new role and brings his party MPs behind him. Indeed, his MPs were selected by the wider party membership who elected Corbyn, so self-preservation can concentrate the mind of a rebel.

We will see how this all plays out, but it is a period of great political jeopardy.