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Jeremy Corbyn faced a furious row today as it emerged he may appoint the head of Sinn Fein’s London office to work in his office.

Jayne Fisher, who describes herself as a “London based socialist” on Twitter, is said to be joining the Labour leader’s team in January.

But Labour MPs say Mr Corbyn risks damaging his image by reminding voters of his history of support for Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Irish Republican Army.

One backbencher complained: “It is another stupid move that is going to cause the most ridiculous amount of negative headlines for no gain.

“It will just remind everyone of Jeremy’s hard-left positions.”

Mr Corbyn’s links with Sinn Fein leaders have caused huge controversy since the 1980s. He triggered outrage weeks after the Brighton bombing in 1984 by inviting Gerry Adams and other members of Sinn Fein to the Commons.

The Labour leader maintains he was part of the peace process that eventually convinced the IRA to give up violence.

Last year he was pictured at the cafe in Portculllis House with Mr Adams and Martin McGuinness, both now mainstream politicians, as well as Ms Fisher.

A spokesman for the Labour leader said: “We do not comment on staffing matters.”