Hartlepool Labour Party members give leader Jeremy Corbyn '˜overwhelming support'

The town’s constituency Labour Party backed ‘honest’ Mr Corbyn to maintain his grip on power at a recent meeting of grass-roots members.

The embattled supremo has faced stinging criticism from his own MPs in recent months, with dozens of cabinet members quitting their posts in protest at his leadership in the wake of Britain’s exit from the European Union.

But party members in Hartlepool are standing firmly behind him as he vies for votes againt leadership rival Owen Smith.

The pair have been going head-to-head at hustings debates ahead of the all-important vote by party members.

The result of the contest wil be announced at a special conference in Liverpool on September 24.

Hartlepool members made their views known at a meeting held at Belle Vue Community Sports and Youth Centre in Kendal Road, Hartlepool.

Edwin Jeffries, who is president of the Hartlepool Constituency Labour Party, cited Mr Corbyn’s focus on grass-roots politics and his efforts to protect society’s most vulnerable people as key reasons for his staunch following.

Mr Jeffries said: “He said: “Our members voted overwhelmingly in support of Jeremy Corbyn.

“A decision will be made on the leadership of the party and we will support that decision, but we are giving our backing to Jeremy Corbyn.

“Jeremy is an open and honest politician.

“He has an anti-austerity stance and is keen to protect the vulnerable and ensure grass-roots members have a say on the future of the party.”

Mr Corbyn resisted calls from scores of his own MPs to quit his post after the country’s Brexit blow, with his fate now being decided in an upcoming leadership contest.

The Labour Party’s ruling national executive committee ruled that his name should automatically appear in the leadership contest triggered by former shadow minister Angela Eagle, who gave way to fellow candidate Owen Smith.

Ballot papers will be sent out by post and email on Monday, to be returned by September 21, with a midday deadline ahead of the result being announced at the Merseyside conference.