From the day he announced he was to stand as candidate for leadership of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn was ridiculed politically publically, and personally. From his socialist principles to his lack of style and polish, this was a man that could not be taken seriously; too old, too naive, too reckless, and too much to the left.

Corbyn appeared to have accidentally stumbled into a leadership boxing match, with blows from every direction. Perceived by many as a highly unlikely choice, this 66 year old stalwart leftist was met with blow after blow. His credibility and capability questioned, his political views criticised, even his appearance scrutinised and mocked. The media pummelling he endured, was uncomfortable to see at times. However, in the twelfth round on the 12^th of September 2015, Corbyn defied odds of 100-1 with a knockout Labour leadership title!

Corbyn may not have looked like a viable contender as a softly spoken vegetarian cyclist who does not own a car, often doesn’t wear a tie, and claims very little in MP expenses, but this ‘ageing pacifist’ held a firm stance. JC maintained dignity, humility and delivered his message in a language that resonated with the general British public. Corbyn energised young activists and revived socialist principles, breaking away from the stereotypical, disconnected rhetoric of usual Party Leaders. This apparently uncharismatic, casually dressed MP reached the helm of a Labour Party that had lost its soul, its direction and its popularity with the electorate, and he did so in a most unassuming way.

In some minds Corbyn’s parliamentary achievements were unlikely to extend beyond his 5 times win as Parliamentary “Beard of the Year Award”, but facial hair is not the only thing Jeremy Corbyn is celebrated for. Corbyn frequently speaks unequivocally and passionately in his capacity as member of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign Group, and National Chair of Stop the War Coalition, amongst other social activist platforms. Corbyn has participated in numerous anti-war rallies over the years, speaking out against both the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. In 2013 Corbyn received due recognition when he was awarded the Ghandi Peace Award for “consistent” efforts to uphold Gandhian values of non-violence and social justice.

The absence of a tie and a well cut suit did not prevent Corbyn from receiving 59.5% of votes cast in the first round of the ballot. It is telling that of those who joined the party during the campaign, 85% selected Corbyn as their preferred candidate. Not bad for a ‘fringe hopeful’. Within 24 hours after the result, the Labour Party’s membership grew by 14,500 – with more joining every day.

Earlier this year in May, the UK parliamentary elections resulted in Cameron remaining Prime Minister for the next five years leaving the Labour Party’s future uncertain and fractured. The electorate were disillusioned with the previous leader Ed Miliband, who failed to win their hearts, minds and votes. Unable to hold a strong and determined position on key issues, guilty of an ambiguous manifesto, and sounding painfully similar to every other party, Labour was no longer the voice of the ordinary people, yes, It was time for change and that’s what Corbyn promised.

As Member of Parliament for Islington North since 1983, Corbyn earned the title of ‘most rebellious MP’, voting against his own party over 500 times during his 32 years in parliament. Corbyn has never been one to compromise his beliefs, despite the criticism he has received for some of his more ‘controversial’ views. In the eighties Corbyn was lambasted for inviting Gerry Adams and other members of the Sinn Fein to Parliament, just weeks after an IRA bombing in Brighton UK, claimed the lives of 5 civilians, and injuring another 34 people. Following pressure, a later meeting with the IRA in 1994 was cancelled, to which Corbyn responded by saying “dialogue with all parties remains essential if the peace process is to continue.”. He backed the campaign to overturn convictions of Jawad Botmeh and Samar Alami for the 1994 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in London, although the convictions were upheld. In 2013 Corbyn supported Botmeh’s appointment as Governor of London Metropolitan University.

Corbyn has not been afraid to publicly condemn Israel’s repeated bombardment of Gaza. He vehemently advocates nuclear disarmament, calling for a scaling down of Trident, the UK’s multi billion pound nuclear weapons programme, describing it as “unsustainable, expensive, dangerous and immoral.” Corbyn is opposed to austerity measures and in favour of reversing cuts to welfare funding. He wants to see more corporate tax accountability, supports renationalising of public utilities and railways, and promotes human rights and equality.

Of course, not everyone rejoiced in Corbyn’s ascension to the Labour leadership role, notably David Cameron who promptly shared his dismay on twitter, posting “The Labour Party is now a threat to our national security, our economic security and your family’s security”. Perhaps Mr Cameron should conduct a poll to ask the British public how safe they currently feel under Tory leadership. Cameron quite understandably may be feeling his own security as Prime Minister is under threat, if this peace pursuing veteran is given half a chance to prove his worth.

Corbyn has pledged to challenge the theatrical nature of the House of Commons and bring a more civilised, democratic voice of the people to debates, in stark contrast to the showmanship tactics of the past. Corbyn may not bellow dynamic rhetoric and wear designer suits, but his sincerely delivered words are as relevant and resonating, as they are ordinary. This new Labour leader’s humility, humour and integrity may just be the refreshing change the British electorate are in need of.