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Labour to vote on Sheffield MP’s ‘challenge’ to Corbyn

Corbyn is in the middle of a battle against Owen Smith to keep his job as leader of the party.

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Labour MPs are set to vote on a motion to reverse one of Ed Miliband’s reforms and reintroduce the elections of shadow cabinet ministers.

He acknowledged the move would take some control away from the victor of the party’s leadership contest, to be announced on September 24. “He conceded that it might put some pressure on the new leader, but it would also put pressure on some people who might not otherwise consider returning”.

The election of the UK Labour party leader is a “choice of generation” between changing into a credible opposition to the ruling Conservative party or fading into insignificance, party leadership hopeful Owen Smith said Monday.

Mr Corbyn has raised the prospect that MPs could be forced to undergo a re-selection process, which would mean the grassroots activists could sack politicians who they believe have not been loyal to the leader.

Big-hitters like Hilary Benn, Angela Eagle, Heidi Alexander and Michael Dugher are among those who have left Labour’s front bench under Mr Corbyn’s leadership.

Mr Corbyn said he believed there should be greater protection for women at work, including those who are pregnant or already have children, to end maternity discrimination.

Deputy leader Tom Watson, who is preparing a bid to overturn Labour’s “one person one vote” system, has signalled support for shadow cabinet elections.

The proposal would need to be approved by Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which is seen to have a pro-Corbyn majority, and then be confirmed by the annual conference later this month.

Jeremy Corbyn hit out when shadow cabinet elections were scrapped in 2011.

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Today a spokesman for Mr Corbyn signalled a direct vote by Labour members could be a different solution. “Any review also needs to take account of the need to represent regions and nations”.

UK Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn addresses the crowd