Jeremy Corbyn has predicted the UK will hold a second snap general election and claimed Labour would return further Scottish MPs if there was another quick-fire vote.
The UK leader was speaking as he introduced the seven politicians who were last week elected to represent his party in the House of Commons.
He also summoned Ian Murray, the sole Scottish Labour representative at Westminster for two years following 2015’s near wipe-out, for a “private chat” but party sources said there was no decision as yet about whether the Edinburgh South MP will return as shadow Scottish Secretary after quitting last summer as part of a failed coup against the leader.
Mr Corbyn said: “Scotland has elected Labour MPs in good numbers, voted Labour in good numbers and I’m very enthusiastic and very optimistic about the future
“Our campaigning hasn’t stopped. It carries on and as soon as this government finally realises it cannot govern there will be another election and we’ll be back in bigger numbers still.”
Labour had expected to win two seats in Scotland, Edinburgh South and East Lothian, but exceeded expectations by also returning members for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, Glasgow North East, Coatbridge and Chryston, and Rutherglen and Hamilton West.
Mr Corbyn praised Mr Murray, who tweeted earlier this year that his boss was “destroying the party”, for being “the one who carried the flag alone” for two years.
Mr Corbyn was applauded by Labour MPs as he returned to the House of Commons after making shock gains across the UK mocked Theresa May’s campaign slogans as he said Labour will offer “strong and stable leadership” if her “coalition of chaos” fails.
He made light of Mrs May’s troubles as Prime Minister as she bids to agree a deal with the Democratic Unionist Party to prop up her Conservative administration.
Responding following the re-election of John Bercow as Commons Speaker, Mr Corbyn said: “I’m sure we all look forward to welcoming the Queen’s Speech just as soon as the coalition of chaos has been negotiated.
“I must let the House know – and the rest of the nation know – that if that is not possible, the Labour Party stands ready to offer strong and stable leadership in the national interest.”
