Jeremy Corbyn set to secure control of party for Labour left with major leadership rule change vote

Labour’s ruling body is set to consider sweeping changes to party rules which would reduce the number of MPs needing to approve a new leader.

The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) will vote on proposals from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to lower the threshold of support that candidates need to get on the ballot from 15 per cent to 10 per cent, which could ease the way for a left-wing successor and offer more power to grass roots members.

The move would offer a compromise on previous calls to amend the rules so candidates only needed to secure 5 per cent of the vote – the so-called McDonnell amendment named after Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, who has supported a reduction in the threshold.

It comes after two allies of Mr Corbyn were elected to a key committee that has the power to decide what is discussed at the Labour party conference, further strengthening his grip on the party.

Mr Corbyn struggled to gain enough nominations to stand in the 2015 leadership contest, however he was helped by several MPs who were not close allies to get on to the ballot paper.

The move prompted concern from some at the centre of the party, who questioned the need for changes to the rules. Richard Angell, director of the centrist group Progress, said: “This package is all about marginalising Labour MPs in the Labour movement. Reducing the importance of MPs is the worst way of convincing the public they should elect more of them to bring about a future Labour government.”

Other proposals could include up to five new seats on the NEC for trade unions and party members, although all changes will be discussed at the upcoming Labour Party conference in Brighton.

It comes after Seema Chandwani, a party activist in Tottenham, and Billy Hayes, the former head of the CWU postal workers union, were elected to the Conference Arrangements Committee (CAC) for next year, replacing more moderate rivals Shadow Justice Minister Gloria De Piero and Labour peer Michael Cashman. The result means the balance of the CAC has shifted decisively in Mr Corbyn’s favour, having previously been controlled by moderates, with five of the seven members from the left of the party.