Corbyn-backing union boss warns shadow cabinet members to toe line or step aside – but denies being part of attempt to oust Watson

Senior Labour figures should back Jeremy Corbyn on Brexit or "step aside", a powerful union leader has said.

Unite boss Len McCluskey named Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, when he warned that shadow cabinet members needed to get behind the Labour leader.

Party divisions have burst into the open as Labour's annual conference kicks off in Brighton, with the shock resignation of one Mr Corbyn's closest aides and an attempt to oust deputy leader Tom Watson.

Speaking to Sky News' Ridge on Sunday, Mr McCluskey said: "When we have a policy on Brexit and Jeremy Corbyn makes it clear that that is the policy, then that's what leading members of the shadow cabinet should argue for.

"If they find that they can't argue for it because they feel strongly, well of course they have that right - but they should step aside, step aside from the shadow cabinet, which will become the cabinet, and they can argue whatever they want.

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Corbyn’s policy chief resigns ‘after losing faith in Labour leader’

"The policy and my appeal to them - to Emily and anybody else - is support your leader."

Mr McCluskey said the shadow foreign secretary was a "fantastic politician" and urged her to continue to show loyalty to Mr Corbyn.

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