Despite the hostile exchange, Mr Corbyn told the BBC that he will “reach out” to Labour MPs if he is re-elected as the party’s leader this week.
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The idea will be seen by some in the party as a rebuke to Tom Watson, the deputy leader, who is due to put forward plans to put the election of shadow cabinet ministers exclusively in the hands of the parliamentary Labour party.
FORMER SHADOW chancellor Ed Balls has described the state of Labour as a “tragedy” ahead of Jeremy Corbyn’s expected victory in the party’s leadership election.
Mr Smith dismissed the idea of involving members, who overwhelmingly support Mr Corbyn, as an attempt to shore up the leader’s position, while former frontbenchers such as Chris Bryant and Liz Kendall have expressed concerns.
In practice, this would probably give MPs more say in future leadership elections than they have under the current system.
He suggested a return to the previous system used to elect Mr Miliband and his predecessors – in which voting was limited to an electoral college of party members, trade unionists, affiliate supporters and elected representatives of the party.
The new category of “registered supporters”, who are able to take part in the election of the leader in return for a small fee, had proved “pretty unpopular in all sections” and should be removed, he said.
“We agreed 22 changes to our rules and guidance, all sorts of positive things I’m sure the media will be really interested in”.
Meanwhile, members of the committee will also consider plans from deputy leader Mr Watson to change the way in which the party elects its leader.
“There is a growing belief in society that too much policy making is top down, there’s too much elitism in politics and there has to be a much greater representation of the views of members of the party, who, after all, raise the funds, knock on doors, deliver leaflets, and deliver election results on which Labour MPs rely”.
Asked if Mr Corbyn could ever be Prime Minister, he said: “I think Jeremy could easily be a Labour Prime Minister”.
Aping Mr Corbyn, Mr Smith added: “It’s got nothing to do with me, my hands are clean, if Momentum want to do that.'”.
Jeremy Corbyn has said he is ready to “reach out” to Labour MPs critical of his leadership if he is returned as party leader on Saturday.
“We believed that children are naturally inquisitive and creative and we seek to develop that potential in the hope that a new, freer society, more responsive to human need, will fulfil their hopes, dreams and aspirations to the full”, he said.
Mr Corbyn arrived at Labour’s central London headquarters without answering questions, telling reporters: “Nice to see you all, thanks for coming”.
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The deputy leader said Labour had to “put the band back together” and needed “all the talents around the table” if it was to take on the Tories. We are going to get a new leader elected on Saturday.
