New challenge to Corbyn as Owen Smith launches UK Labour leadership bid

Mr Corbyn won a crucial victory against rebels seeking to unseat him on Tuesday, after the party’s executive committee ruled that he will automatically be included in a leadership ballot as the incumbent leader.

Meanwhile, deputy leader Tom Watson told a meeting of the parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) that his abandoned peace talks with union leaders failed to find a way around the impasse between MPs and pro-Corbyn elements of the party.

Corbynistas – says it is his fans that elected him that count and not the bulk of his elected members of parliament who want to topple him.

Asked if she could understand concerns over the decision, Ms Eagle said: “It’s a matter for the NEC of the party, the ruling body of the party, to make the rules for the leadership contest”. However, the NEC’s announcement means Corbyn can expect to be on the ballot automatically.

Labour faces the unlikely situation where most MPs in the 232-strong parliamentary party are opposed to Corbyn’s leadership, though he enjoys much support from members of the party.

Leadership challenger Angela Eagle has pleaded with Labour backers to “save” the party and “heal” the country by signing up for a vote to kick out Jeremy Corbyn.

The new Labour leader will be announced in September.

But others are equally as determined to stop him – nervous now that if he wins once more, that the Labour Party itself it might not survive.

Jeremy Corbyn has been dealt a blow in the Labour leadership contest after one of his most loyal MPs called on party members to back rival candidate Owen Smith.

Mr Corbyn’s close ally and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said: “Jeremy on the ballot”.

“I refused to have any part in discussions, which have been destructive, from a small group of people on the right who, just like those on the left, it seems to me, are now prepared to let Labour split”.

Smith is expected to launch his leadership bid later today, according to the BBC.

“I utterly condemn any violence or threats, which undermine the democracy within our party and have no place in our politics”, he added.

The move came after a brick was thrown through the window of her office in Wallasey, near Liverpool in northwest England.

To challenge the leader, a candidate needs the backing of 20% of Labour MPs and MEPs – in other words, 51 people.