‘Corbynista’ is probably one of the words most strongly associated with Jeremy Corbyn, growing out of his sudden surge in popularity he enjoyed in the run-up to the Labour leadership contest.
While some use it as derogatory way of describing the Labour leader’s backers, others proudly declare themselves Corbynistas. But the man who inspired the term has admitted he's not a fan.
Corbyn spoke to The Huffington Post to mark his first 100 days as party leader about housing, how some Labour policies could appeal to Conservative voters and his turbulent, on-again, off-again relationship with the media.
Readers also gleaned some insight on his party tricks, religious beliefs, and what he really likes to be called.
Mr Corbyn said he disapproved of the term ’Corbynista’ because it places an emphasis on him, not the public. “It’s not about me, it’s about people,” he insisted. "I prefer Jez".
Other highlights of the 8,000-word interview included Corbyn’s proudly revealing that he can wiggle his ears. “If you see me moving my ears, there’s something very special happening,” he explained.
Mr Corbyn also refused to be drawn on his religious orientation when asked if he was an atheist, insisting that his beliefs are a private matter. “I like looking and thinking at the natural process in this world, how we survive on this planet,” he replied ambiguously.
When pressed on whether any reports describing his as an atheist would accurate, he remained vague. "There are so many things about me written that are unfair, unjust and ill-searched that it would be wrong,” he says. “I’m not going any further than that, belief is a private thing.”
