Dominic Cummings sought to make Jeremy Corbyn prime minister before 2019 election

In early 2019, following a turbulent period of political strife, Dominic Cummings, who previously orchestrated Brexit, extended an unexpected proposal to Matt Zarb-Cousin and James Schneider, close aides to Jeremy Corbyn. This proposal involved offering strategic support for Corbyn's ascent to the Premiership, a surprising turn given Cummings' historical alignment with the Conservative Party. Cummings envisioned that Corbyn's leadership could not only advance Brexit but also destabilize the Conservative Party, creating divisions that would benefit Labour in the long term. Cummings specifically suggested that Corbyn should instruct Labour MPs to vote for Theresa May's Brexit withdrawal agreement, despite the party's resistance to the deal. He believed such an action would prompt a rift within the Conservative Party and increase Corbyn's chances at the helm of a left-wing government. Central to Cummings' strategizing was a notion that a united Labour front under Corbyn could effectively leverage populist sentiments and promises, especially regarding significantly enhancing funding for the National Health Service and other public services. Despite Cummings’ intentions, the political landscape was riddled with complications. Corbyn’s eventual endorsement of a second Brexit referendum represented a stark divergence from Cummings’ initial strategy. Ultimately, Cummings opted to join forces with Boris Johnson, who ran a successful campaign centered on a simplified message of “getting Brexit done,” which significantly sidelined the Labour Party. The aftermath of the 2019 general election showcased devastating losses for Labour, initiating a leadership transition to Sir Keir Starmer. Johnson's government faced its own tumultuous decline, transitioning power in July, indicating a cycle of volatility within both major British political parties.