THE Labour leader has told party faithful in Redditch he is ready for a general election.

During a rally for Labour members in the town, Jeremy Corbyn threw his weight behind his candidate Rebecca Jenkins, who aims to overturn a 7,500 Conservative majority in the constituency.

During a visit to a Labour Party event at South Redditch Sports and Social Club on February 7, Mr Corbyn spoke to members of the audience before delivering a speech outlining his vision for Britain under a Labour government and launched a blistering attack on the Conservatives.

He said: "I'm hoping for a general election in 2019, it's about winning in marginal constituencies across the country.

"This government has shown who it represents, two weeks ago I sent out a fundraising letter and within 24 hours we raised £100,000, the average donation was £25.

"Last night the Tories had a fundraising event, Theresa May came back from Brussels.

"Tickets cost £15,000 each - it's pretty clear what the ground rules are for the next election."

The Labour leader pledged if he became Prime Minister the NHS would be "properly funded" and a Labour government would create a National Education Service.

He said: "A National Education Service would take away the principle of education as a commodity, it's our job to educate and support every child."

He also promised to break down the gig economy by abolishing zero hours contracts and set the living wage at £10.

Mr Corbyn said: "I don't define employment as being on a zero hours contract. If an employer feels like giving you a day's work, I call that stress."

He turned his attention to Brexit and told party members both leavers and remainers were living in poverty because of Conservative policies.

He also said: "I have spent the last three years talking to socialist groups all over Europe, we will be working with them whatever happens."