MP who quit ‘should have to call by-election’

A former Labour MP who quit the party and accused Jeremy Corbyn of being a threat to national security has been challenged to call a by-election by the leader’s office.

John Woodcock, who was under investigation for allegations of sexual harassment, resigned from the party yesterday. But a spokesman for Mr Corbyn said Mr Woodcock’s move should trigger a vote in his Barrow and Furness constituency. The former Labour MP, 39, had been sitting as an independent since having the Labour whip withdrawn in April pending investigation of allegations against him, which he denies.