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Labour is considering reviving plans to create a female deputy leader position, according to senior party sources.

The role would be on equal footing with Jeremy Corbyn ’s current number two, Tom Watson, after fears he could plot to oust the leader.

One source said: “It’s quite a risky move but if it neutralised Tom that could be helpful.”

It will intensify speculation 70-year-old Mr Corbyn’s top team are casting around for a successor for when he eventually steps down.

Pictures yesterday emerged of him working out with a personal trainer in a North London park following claims he is not fit enough for No10.

Labour shelved plans for a female deputy position only last year.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images) (Image: Alamy Live News.)

A second insider said: “The reason this is coming back is a factional attempt to suppress the irritating Remain voice that Tom represents.”

Women expected to be interested include Emily Thornberry, Angela Rayner and Rebecca Long-Bailey. One shadow cabinet minister said: “It will be a broad field. Anybody who wants a shot at the leadership when Jeremy goes will need to run now to show they’re up for it.”

Many believe Shadow Business Secretary Ms Long-Bailey is being groomed for the role.

(Image: Daily Mirror)

But allies of Mr Corbyn, understood to include Chief of Staff Karie Murphy, would prefer Laura Pidcock as they could have a better chance of controlling her.

Mr Corbyn has come under mounting pressure amid splits in the party over Brexit and his handling of anti-semitism claims.

The Labour leader faces a difficult week with union chiefs meeting on Monday to thrash out a position on Brexit and a meeting of the party’s ruling NEC on Tuesday deciding the fate of Chris Williamson, suspended over anti-semitism allegations.