Labour on brink of civil war: No 10 accused of 'mother of stitch ups'

Labour was on the brink of 'civil war' last night as MPs scrambled to replace Angela Rayner as its deputy leader.

Amid accusations that No 10 was trying to 'stitch up' the election, the party was accused of being 'more focused on internal politics than on fixing the country'.

Labour's ruling national executive committee yesterday announced a rapid six-week contest – with candidates given until 5pm on Thursday to secure nominations from 80 MPs.

The timetable was branded an effort to 'dodge serious discussion' on what has gone wrong for the party by one Left-wing MP, while others warned the contest would be a major distraction.

Nominations open today, with a hustings tomorrow, before they close on Thursday. Candidates will then have to secure the support of 5 per cent of constituency parties or three affiliates – including at least two trade unions.