Jeremy Corbyn’s supporters are backing a move to elect a second deputy Labour leader in a move that could undermine Tom Watson.

Allies of the party leader are supporting a motion at next week’s annual conference to create the new post for a woman. The proposed rule change, submitted by the solidly Corbyn-backing Wirral West constituency, is expected to be put to a vote of delegates on Tuesday.

An election campaign for a woman deputy leader would inevitably pitch some of the leading contenders against one another and would also bring into sharp relief the differences within the party over Brexit, spending priorities and attitudes to foreign policy issues, including Israel.

However, Mr Corbyn was warned that the move could backfire. Asked about it yesterday