The world of politics is often filled with drama, intrigue, and unexpected moments that shape history. In the highly acclaimed political book Get In, The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer, journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund reveal the inner workings of the Labour Party under Keir Starmer’s leadership. One of the most fascinating anecdotes in the book centers around a pivotal moment in Labour’s recent history: the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn in October 2020. While the book sheds light on the political maneuvering and strategizing within the party, it also highlights an extraordinary role played by an unlikely figure—a Sky News cameraman named Aaron Scott. Though not named directly in the book, Aaron’s actions became a defining moment in the unfolding drama, showcasing how even those behind the scenes can find themselves at the heart of political history.
The story begins on a day like any other in Westminster, where political journalists and crew members often find themselves in the thick of breaking news. Aaron Scott, a seasoned Sky News cameraman with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the political landscape, was tasked with filming a pool interview with Jeremy Corbyn. The interview, scheduled to take place at a suburban community center just days before Halloween, was meant to be a routine engagement. Corbyn, then the Leader of the Opposition, had just completed the interview, and the atmosphere was cordial. With the formal part of the shoot wrapped up, the reporter, Joe Pike, was called back to the office to focus on other pressing political developments of the day. Little did anyone know, the real drama was only just beginning.
As Aaron packed up his equipment, he received an urgent call from Sky News’ Westminster office. The news editor’s tone was frantic: “Is Jeremy still in the building?” Aaron confirmed that Corbyn was still in the foyer, gathering his belongings and preparing to leave. The editor’s next words sent a jolt through him: “Don’t let him leave! He’s been suspended by the Labour Party!” Aaron, now thrust into an unexpected and sensitive role, approached Corbyn in the foyer. “Excuse me, Mr. Corbyn—I don’t know if you’ve heard what’s happened,” Aaron said nervously. Corbyn, unaware of the bombshell, replied quizzically, “No?” Aaron, with a mix of empathy and professional duty, delivered the news: “I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but apparently, you’ve been suspended from the Labour Party.”
The reaction was immediate and visceral. Corbyn’s expression dropped, his face turned pale, and he exclaimed, “WHAT?!?” The room seemed to freeze as Corbyn’s aides rushed over, alerted by the outburst. They began frantically searching through news feeds, social media, and emails, their shock and anger palpable. Aaron, maintaining his composure, offered a suggestion: “Would you be prepared to give us a statement?” Corbyn, still reeling from the news, declined to comment until he had seen the formal ruling. Aaron, understanding the gravity of the moment, proposed a solution: “Look, I’m not going anywhere, and Joe will be back shortly. Why don’t you all go round the corner for a coffee, work out what you’d like to say, and then come back to us, and we’ll record a statement from you?” Corbyn’s team agreed, and they quickly exited the building to regroup.
Aaron’s role in this moment was nothing short of extraordinary. As a cameraman, his job is typically to observe and record events, not to shape them. Yet, in this instance, he found himself at the center of a political storm, delivering life-changing news to one of the most prominent figures in British politics. His actions were both professional and empathetic, balancing the demands of journalism with the human side of the story. When Joe Pike returned to the scene, he was incredulous to learn that Corbyn had been sent away for coffee. “WHAT?!?” Joe exclaimed, mirroring Corbyn’s earlier reaction. Aaron filled him in on the details, and Joe quickly reached out to Corbyn’s aides to confirm that a follow-up interview would take place. True to Aaron’s word, Corbyn returned a few hours later, and the interview was filmed, capturing his response to the suspension.
The events of that day underscore the unpredictable nature of politics and the critical role that journalists play in shaping the narrative. Aaron Scott’s actions—both in breaking the news to Corbyn and facilitating the subsequent interview—demonstrate the intersections of journalism, politics, and human emotion. His professionalism and sensitivity in handling such a sensitive moment are a testament to the ethical standards that guide journalists in their work. By capturing this story in their book, Maguire and Pogrund have ensured that Aaron’s role in this pivotal moment is remembered, not just as a footnote in political history, but as a humanizing element in the larger narrative of the Labour Party under Corbyn and Starmer.
In many ways, Aaron Scott’s story is a microcosm of the broader themes explored in Get In. The book paints a vivid picture of the Labour Party’s internal struggles, the strategic decisions that shaped its direction, and the personalities that drove its politics. But it also reminds us that even in the high-stakes world of Westminster, it is often the individual actions of those behind the scenes that shape the course of events. Aaron Scott’s role in informing Jeremy Corbyn of his suspension is a powerful reminder of the human side of politics, where even the most seasoned leaders are not immune to shocking news, and where journalists, in their pursuit of the story, sometimes find themselves at the heart of history.
