Laura Pidcock, the Labour MP who declared she had “no intention of being friends” with any Tory MP because they are the “enemy”, is being groomed to take over from Jeremy Corbyn, according to party insiders.

Since her election last year, the MP for North West Durham has impressed Corbyn and on Friday won promotion as the party’s shadow minister for labour.

Now Pidcock, 30, is seen by the left as the best option to succeed Corbyn, 68, should he choose to stand down before the next election, scheduled to take place in 2022. While Corbyn is likely to remain leader, sources suggest he might quit if the right candidate can “secure his legacy”.

A member of the shadow cabinet told The Sunday Times: “Jeremy’s