Thousands of Labour members and supporters could be suspended or expelled from the party over allegations of abuse and anti-Semitism, it has emerged.

Almost 6,000 people have been reported to the party’s National Executive Committee as part of a new initiative introduced in mid-July to curb threats and poor behaviour.

It came as Tory MP Andrew Bridgen revealed he had been approached by Labour MPs as part of an attempt to secure an early general election to “get rid of Jeremy Corbyn” as the party’s leadership contest continues.

Mr Bridgen said he has been approached by three Labour MPs in Westminster who have asked for him to continue his bid for a nationwide vote in order to oust Mr Corbyn.

The MP claims that the Labour members warned the only way to rid the party of Mr Corbyn would be for Labour to be “wiped out” at a general election and prove his unpopularity with the public.

Mr Corbyn has been criticised for failing to do enough to tackle abuse and allegations of anti-Semitism within the party. Though condemning abuse as unacceptable in any form, he has repeatedly told party members to ignore nasty comments, stating earlier this year: “The best way of dealing with abuse is: ignore it.”