JEREMY CORBYN became Labour leader with the biggest mandate in British political history yesterday as he stormed to a first-round victory.

Tony Blair won 57 per cent of the vote when he was elected Labour leader in 1994 but Mr Corbyn bettered that with 59.5 per cent.

The left candidate boasted a majority of more than 170,000 over second-placed Andy Burnham, who polled 19 per cent.

Yvette Cooper, viewed as the right’s best hope of beating Mr Corbyn, came third with 17 per cent, while Blairite Liz Kendall registered just 4.5 per cent.

Supporters celebrated by chanting: “Jez we have” and Mr Corbyn later led a rendition of Labour anthem Red Flag at a victory party.

Speaking moments after being named Labour leader, he said: “The fightback of our party now gathers pace.

“We go forward now as a movement and a party, bigger than we’ve ever been, stronger than we’ve ever been and more determined than we’ve ever been.

“Our party is going to become more inclusive, more democratic and we’re going to shape the future of everyone in this country.”

Mr Corbyn’s first act as leader was to join the “refugees welcome here” demonstration in Trafalgar Square.

He also vowed in his speech to prioritise opposition to the Tories’ anti-Trade Union Bill, which will be debated in Parliament on Monday.

Unite were among nine trade unions who backed Mr Corbyn’s campaign and general secretary Len McCluskey was among hundreds of supporters who joined Mr Corbyn at a victory party in a Westminster pub.

He said: “Voters can now look at Labour and see, unquestionably, that it stands for fairness, justice, peace and strong communities.

“It is the party of hope, ready to take on a government hell-bent on making life worse for ordinary people.”

Transport union RMT, which is not affiliated to Labour, also described the result as a “massive shot in the arm” for people resisting austerity and attacks on trade unions.

The Islington North MP won huge majorities among affiliated and registered supporters.

But he was also most popular among full party members. Of 245,520 party members who voted, 121,751 of them voted for Mr Corbyn.

John McDonnell MP, who chaired the Corbyn campaign, described it as the “the greatest victory for the left that we’ve seen in decades.”

He added: “I just wish, I just wish Tony Benn had been here to see it.

“Because all through those dark years when the left were isolated and there was no discussion of socialism and people were giving up on the Labour Party, it was people like Tony Benn and Jeremy who kept the flame alive.”

Mr Corbyn’s victory speech was the 100th event he’s addressed in a gruelling 100-day campaign.

But the backbencher of 32 years now faces a hectic week of media interviews and party meetings.

A new shadow cabinet is expected to be in place by Monday, when Mr Corbyn will lead Labour in opposing the Trade Union Bill at its second reading in Parliament.

Later that evening he will make his first address to Labour MPs — only 35 of whom nominated him.

He can expect a warmer reception on Tuesday though when he addresses the TUC Congress in Brighton.

And then on Wednesday he will go head-to-head with Tory Prime Minister David Cameron over the despatch box for the first time at Prime Minister’s Questions.

The Tories claimed yesterday that Mr Corbyn’s victory was a “serious risk to our nation’s security, our economy’s security and your family’s security.”

The response to Jeremy’s victory

Katy Clark, former Labour MP

“Jeremy has got an astonishing mandate from the Labour movement and Jeremy is the best candidate to help us in Scotland. But the Scottish Labour Party has been losing elections for years so it won’t be possible for one individual to turn that around. What we need to do is start the work to rebuild in Scotland and Jeremy will do that.”

Kate Osamor, Edmonton MP

“This result has shown us people had a thirst for politics that was honest, standing up for the vulnerable and having an alternative to austerity. We need to hold on to that momentum now and turn our supporters into members to make a mass movement — that’s what we need to change the country.”

Katy Herrington, Brentwood CLP

“There’s hope for the Labour Party. More young people will want to be involved in politics and I think we’re more likely to be elected with Jeremy as leader.”

Tosh McDonald, Aslef president

“I need to get some sleep now because I had a sleepless night last night. I’ve been working for something like this for over three decades and now it’s finally happened.”

Abhijay Sool, 18, Brent CLP

“We will have someone at the despatch box now who is going to challenge the Tories.”