Jeremy Corbyn Back On Virgin Train, But Did He Find A Seat?

His smile looks a little unconvincing, but there is no denying that Jeremy Corbyn appears happier than he did two weeks ago.

After filming himself sitting on the floor of a Virgin train on 11 August, there was no question today that he had secured a seat.

He was pictured sitting on a Virgin service from London Euston to Glasgow, ahead of leadership campaign events in Scotland.

Huddled next to him were two clearly delighted children, photographed by their father David Rose.

Mr Rose posted the picture on Twitter, writing: "My kids just got on @VirginTrains from Euston to Glasgow with @jeremycorbyn. He has a seat. Good job@richardbranson."

Virgin Trains wished Mr Corbyn a "great trip" to Glasgow.

In a Twitter message the operator said: "Welcome onboard! Hope you all have a great trip to Glasgow this morning."

Mr Corbyn arrived promptly at Glasgow Central after departing London at 1.01pm.

When questioned by reporters about the train journey, his spat with Virgin and his support in Scotland, he repeatedly said: "Thanks very much, lovely to see you all."

Mr Corbyn's journey is the unlikely focus of media attention because of a bizarre feud with Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson.

Two weeks ago he was filmed sitting on the floor of a Virgin service to Newcastle, complaining about crowded carriages.

But the train company later released CCTV images which appeared to show Mr Corbyn walking past vacant, unreserved seats.

About 40 minutes into the journey, Mr Corbyn and his party were escorted to seats by train staff.

The Labour leader was clearly annoyed to be asked about the row following a speech on Wednesday.

But he told reporters: "I did walk through the train. Yes, I did look for two empty seats together so I could sit down with my wife to talk to her.

"That wasn't possible, so I went to the end of the train."

Sir Richard, who co-owns Virgin Trains with Stagecoach, got involved in the row, posting a link to the CCTV images on his Twitter account.

Mr Corbyn said: "I'm very pleased Richard Branson has been able to break off from his holiday to take this issue as seriously, with the importance it obviously deserves.

"I hope he's very well aware of our policy, which is that train operating companies should become part of the public realm, not the private sector."