What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Labour has accused US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of plotting to stop Jeremy Corbyn becoming Prime Minister.

The claim comes in response to Mr Pompeo being caught on tape saying he would “push back” against the party’s leaders.

The Secretary of State was responding to a question relating to criticism of Labour ’s handling of anti-Semitism in the party.

Mr Pompeo, one of Donald Trump’s most senior allies, was talking to Jewish leaders when he was asked if Mr Corbyn is elected “would you be willing to work with us to take on actions if life becomes very difficult for Jews in the UK?”

(Image: Getty Images)

According to a secret recording passed to the Washington Post, Mr Pompeo replied: “It could be that Mr Corbyn manages to run the gauntlet and get elected.

“It’s possible. You should know, we won’t wait for him to do those things to begin to push back.

“We will do our level best. It’s too risky and too important and too hard once it’s already happened.”

Labour hit back by saying: “President Trump and his officials’ attempts to decide who will be Britain’s next Prime Minister are an entirely unacceptable interference in the UK’s democracy.”

It added it is “fully committed to the support, defence and celebration of the Jewish community”.

(Image: REUTERS)

Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle branded Mr Pompeo’s comments “very dangerous”.

He said: “Donald Trump is only in power because of Russian interference in the US elections, and it seems like his government is determined to learn from the best.

“This is not the behaviour of a country who can expect to call us our closest allies.

"The UK government must ensure there is no tampering in Britain’s elections by Putin or Trump or anyone else.”

Asked if he feared the US government may intervene to prevent Mr Corbyn being elected, Mr Russell-Moyle said: “Yes I do – absolutely.”

Mr Pompeo’s words will further worry those who fear Trump’s right-wing Republican Party would oppose a left-wing government here.

The President recently called Mr Corbyn “a negative force”, and has thrown his weight behind Boris Johnson as the next PM.

(Image: Daily Mirror)

During his state visit to Britain, Trump said the NHS could be part of a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the US – something Labour said was a “frightening” prospect. Trump later backtracked.

The US State Department said: “The US is a strong partner of the UK.

“We look forward to continuing that partnership with Prime Minister May through the duration of her term, as well as with her successor, whoever it may be.

“We remain committed to the US-UK special relationship and our shared global agenda.

“The UK is a robust democracy, and we look forward to co-operating with the new government when it is established.”

(Image: PA)

Mr Pompeo’s comments came after an investigation by former FBI director Robert Mueller found Russia tried to influence the 2016 US election in Trump’s favour.

The Secretary of State’s remarks also included a blast at the Tories’ EU elections disaster.

He said: “The Tories finished fifth in Britain. If I had told you that even 90 days ago, you’d have laughed me out of here, and you’d have done so properly.

“This is an absolute failure of leadership to demonstrate value.”

Mr Pompeo, 55, is America’s top diplomat. Trump previously appointed him chief of the CIA, the foreign intelligence service.