Jeremy Corbyn has rejected the suggestion that he is attempting to rebrand himself as an ally quipped that it would be impossible to do that with someone who "has been doing the same thing for 35 years".
The Labour leader made his most personal speech of the General Election campaign so far, highlighting his arrest for protesting against apartheid and the criticism he faced in 34 years as an MP, but described it as an "aberration".
He was introduced by a constituent, medical student Rohi Malik, who said she remembered Mr Corbyn as a "kind and thoughtful man, who would cycle to our school summer fair" as well as a "tireless campaigner" for the local hospital and the inspiration for her involvement in politics.
But during a question and answer session following Mr Corbyn's speech, compere and Labour MP Dawn Butler rejected suggestions that it was an attempt to change her leader's image.
"I'm not sure how you can rebrand someone who's been doing the same thing for 35 years," she quipped.
In front of an audience of supporters in the Labour stronghold of east London, Mr Corbyn then said: "I, as you know, am very, very averse to talking about myself and that's been the story of my life.
"This is an aberration today, I hope you've enjoyed it."