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I'm backing Jeremy Corbyn for Labour leadership, despite his unsavoury "friends"

Jeremy Corbyn is head and shoulders above all the other Labour leadership candidates – but he is not beyond criticism based on democratic, secular and internationalist principles.

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A lot of criticism is pure hysteria, but Corbyn still has questions to answer. Flickr/Maddy Cozins. Some rights reserved.

Like many others, I face a real dilemma. I've known Jeremy Corbyn for more than 30 years and love nearly everything he stands for. Yet there are a few important issues on which I profoundly disagree with him. Does this mean he should no longer have my support?

Jeremy is not a saint. He's never claimed to be. Even the best, most admirable politicians usually get some things wrong. Jeremy is no exception. On a majority of UK and foreign policy issues he's spot on, with real vision and an inspiring alternative. On a small number of issues he has made lamentable misjudgements. Despite these shortcomings, I'm backing his bid for the Labour leadership. Here's why.