Corbyn wins more control as Labour backs party power shift

Jeremy Corbyn's proposed overhaul of Labour rules to tip the balance of power away from MPs and towards members who appear more likely to support him and his allies have been approved by the party's ruling body, sources confirmed.

The plan to make it easier for candidates to stand for the leadership with the support of fewer MPs and MEPs, with the threshold lowered from 15% to 10%, was passed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) with no votes against.

It will be seen as an attempt by Mr Corbyn to tighten his control of the party and make it easier for a left-wing candidate to succeed him as leader.

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.