Jamelia: I've never voted before but I want Jeremy Corbyn to be Prime Minister

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Brummie pop star Jamelia will be voting for the first time in her life this month and has been inspired to participate in the General Election by Jeremy Corbyn, she says.

The 38-year-old Handsworth musician, TV presenter and activist plans on going to the polls next Thursday (12 December) with her 18-year-old daughter Teja.

Music star Jamelia at the Birmingham rally with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

The ‘Superstar’ singer revealed her lack of voting record at a Labour rally in Birmingham last night, and said she is backing Jeremy Corbyn’s bid for Downing Street.

Introducing the Labour leader, she said: “I stand here with the backing of a fantastic education, fantastic resources and I want that for every child – not just mine.”

Mum-of-three Jamelia paid tribute to the NHS who last year saved her youngest daughter’s life.

“Because these services were there for me when I needed it, and I think they should be there for everyone.

“My daughter turns two on next week. On the 12th all she wants for her birthday is a Labour government.”

Jamelia addressed the large crowd at the Labour election rally in Digbeth last night

Handsworth mum-of-three Jamelia is hugged by Labour shadow minister Angela Rayner

Jamelia spoke at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, where the themes of the evening were heavily dominated by uniting to defend the arts and education.

The MOBO Awards winner was joined on stage by Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Angela Rayner, who was hosting the rally.

Other music artists attending the event and backing Labour were Birmingham-based bands Kioko and UB40, and city arts collective Beatfreeks. Trade union leaders including General Secretary of the National Education Union Kevin Courtney also addressed the crowd at the Factory Works space.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn at The Custard Factory in Birmingham

Speaking to I Am Birmingham, Jamelia said:

“I am a first-time voter and I just believe that it’s so important to galvanise as many people as possible to vote Labour.

“For the last nine years, we have been suffering as a society, and I think what’s really important is to have a community mindset when it comes electing our next Prime Minister. I am just hugely passionate about it.

“I grew up in a Labour constituency, I was able to take advantage of all of the opportunities there for me, and they’re not here anymore and that is completely unfair, it feels as if it’s unlawful, and none of us should be happy to watch and allow our community members to suffer. We should not be able to do that.

Music artist and TV presenter Jamelia with fans in Birmingham

Jamelia was joined on stage in Digbeth, Birmingham, by Jeremy Corbyn, Angela Rayner, poets from Beatfreeks and members of band Kioko

“For me, particularly people who are complaining about being taxed, you’re only getting taxed if you can afford it so why on earth would you not be up for helping other people? As I said, growing up working class, I know exactly what those resources and finances, how they can absolutely change your life and the trajectory of everyone in your family.

“And I feel that’s very important and that’s why I’m voting Labour on the 12th December, and that’s why I’m encouraging everyone to do the same.”

Commenting on why she’s specifically backing Corbyn, she said:

“I absolutely want to see Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister. He’s the first Prime Minister [candidate] that I’ve ever seen that feels as if he’s talking to me, cares about me and people like me, so yeah, I absolutely want to see Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister.”