Corbyn sees off critics to win Labour rule book overhaul

JEREMY CORBYN’S plan to overhaul Labour’s rule book, described by some as an attempt to shore up support for his Left-wing agenda, has been approved by the party’s ruling body.

The plan to make it easier for candidates to stand for the leadership with the support of fewer MPS and MEPS was passed by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Candidates will now need the support of just 10 per cent of the parliamentary party to win a place on a leadership ballot, instead of 15 per cent.

This could be reduced further to 5 per cent – Mr Corbyn’s original aim – if ongoing talks about reforming the party and giving members a greater say in its running are successful.

There will also be three extra places for Labour members on the ruling committee and another seat for unions.

The vote is a sign that Mr Corbyn has seen off critics who wanted to block his bid for greater power for members who overwhelmingly support him.

The general election, in which Mr Corbyn did not do as badly as had been expected, helped him to convince MPS and other members that the reforms were needed, sources said.

But some Labour members were left concerned after Pete Willsman, an NEC member from the Left-wing Campaign for Labour Party Democracy, said that “some of our MPS deserve to be attacked” for disloyalty.

A party source called the remarks “unbelievable” while another expressed disbelief at the comments, made after a number of Labour MPS spoke out about abuse they had suffered in the election.

The NEC’S decision sets the stage for a potential battle at Labour’s annual conference, which begins on Sunday in Brighton and will have to approve or reject the proposal.