Guardian readers who responded to our call for responses to Corbyn’s first 100 days as leader were generally happy with the job he has done so far. Still, many felt there was room for improvement.
Amid frustrations with media coverage and the machinations of some of Corbyn’s parliamentary colleagues, our readers suggested what he and his team should focus on in 2016 to improve his chances of breaking through to the wider electorate.
Here are the 10 most popular suggestions:
1) Improve your presentation
While some of our readers would prefer Jez to stay exactly as he is, there was a general consensus that Corbyn needs to raise his sartorial game given the media scrutiny he now faces.
He needs to look more like a prime minister and less scruffy. Shouldn’t make a difference but it does.
2) Unite your party …
It might be a forlorn hope, given tensions in the shadow cabinet and disagreements over Syria and Trident renewal, but Labour members would like to see greater party discipline imposed.
Yes, have a broad church. Yes, have democracy and debate but keep it where it belongs: within the party, not in the press.
3) … and take the attack to the Tories
Readers wanted a great focus on domestic and environmental policy, and a more sustained attack on the government’s social and economic policies, particularly austerity.
We can all agree as a party on social policy and on economics. Focus on the Tories; dispel the myth that they are the party of competence.
4) Start appealing beyond the Labour core
Polling suggests Corbyn is struggling to break through beyond his base. Readers would like to see Labour trying to appeal to voters lost to the Conservatives and Ukip in May.
He needs to start speaking to a wider audience and coming up with messages that will appeal to people who deserted the Labour party in 2010 and 2015. Which in turn means addressing difficult issues like benefits and the impacts of immigration.
5) Get a better press team …
Angry at the media our readers may have been, but there was plenty of acknowledgment that his own team needs to improve in getting the Labour message out.
Hopefully he will get a savvy, culturally aware media team who share his world view and who ensure he is seen and presented properly.
6) … and interview better
While there was no desire for a return to the scripted answers that occasionally blighted Ed Miliband, our readers wanted Corbyn to make more of an impact in radio and television interviews – while being wary of potential pitfalls.
He needs to realise that a five-minute interview will be condensed to one soundbite and guard carefully against saying anything that could be taken out of context.
7) Improve your reading of the nation’s mood
Some of our readers felt Corbyn must improve his feel for the public mood, citing in particular his failure to present the right tone in the wake of the Paris attacks.
Cameron’s greatest strength is saying the ‘right’ thing in the media; Corbyn’s greatest fault is failing to catch the mood of the public in his comments to the media.
8) Freshen up your shadow cabinet …
There have been hints that Corbyn will rejig his shadow cabinet in January, a move tipped by many readers, who wanted a fresh team to share the load of opposition.
I would like to see more women in the top jobs, and I feel the likes of Lisa Nandy and Seema Malhotra would be good picks.
9) … but don’t rely on the old stagers
Readers felt Corbyn should reward new talent within the parliamentary party, and not lean too heavily on old faces like Ken Livingstone or Diane Abbott.
Ken Livingstone was good for London, but is not good for this iteration of the Labour party.
10) Keep an eye on Momentum
Some readers were concerned that Momentum, the group set up to support Corbyn’s leadership, could backfire.
Gentility and civility are a big component of Jeremy’s victory and I’m not sure Momentum has been a particularly helpful tool in winning hearts and minds and getting our message across.
