Corbyn re-elected leader of UK's opposition Labour Party

The left-winger defeated rival Owen Smith with 61.8 percent of the vote to 38.2 percent

LIVERPOOL:

Left-winger Jeremy Corbyn was re-elected as leader of Britain's main opposition Labour party on Saturday, seeing off a challenge from his MPs with an increased majority.

Supporters in Liverpool, northwest England, cheered as official results confirmed Corbyn had defeated rival Owen Smith with 61.8 percent of the vote to 38.2 percent.

That represents an increased mandate from when he was first elected as leader this time last year with 59.5 percent of the vote.

Speaking after the results were announced, Corbyn looked to the future following a divisive contest.

"Elections are passionate and often partisan affairs and some things are often said in the heat of the debate that we later come to regret," he said.

"We have much more in common than that which divides us.

"As far as I'm concerned, let's wipe that slate clean from today and get on with the work we've got to do as a party together."