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John McDonnell has said he would vote Remain if there was a second referendum - unlike Jeremy Corbyn who has so far refused to say.

In comments which will please Labour Remainers, the shadow chancellor also revealed that a second poll “might be an option we seize upon”.

It comes amid a growing shift within the party towards a second vote.

He admitted for the first time that Remain should be on the ballot paper in any fresh poll but that “no deal” should not.

Previously Mr McDonnell had argued that staying in the EU should not be an option.

This worried the largely remain-backing Labour membership - especially after conference voted to support a second poll if a general election was not an option.

He told a Guardian Live event on Tuesday night: “We can’t have no deal on the ballot paper,” McDonnell said. “There’s an overwhelming majority in parliament against that happening, because of the damage.”

(Image: Getty Images)

The shadow chancellor said he expected Theresa May's deal to be voted down when it comes to the Commons.

He explained that she was then likely to go back to the EU and return with a modified deal - which he believes will also fail.

“All through that, we will be calling for a general election,” he said.

“Whether and when we put a vote of no confidence down will be a tactical decision. We’ll want a maximum effect.”

Mr McDonnell said that Labour had been meeting with the SNP, the Lib Dems and Caroline Lucas of the Greens.

He also admitted speaking to the People’s Vote campaign, including Alastair Campbell and Ed Miliband’s former adviser Tom Baldwin.

“If we can’t get a general election, people’s vote is on the table and that might be an option we seize upon,” he said.

But he added that before that Labour would offer their own deal.