John McDonnell has been accused of leading a “silent coup” against Jeremy Corbyn amid claims that he has replaced the Labour leader in all but name.

The shadow chancellor has put himself in daily charge of the Labour operation as the party moves to an election footing. Insiders claim he has also launched his own policy platform and drawn up a list of appointments he wants in the leader of the opposition’s office, known as LOTO, to surround Corbyn with his allies.

“McDonnell is now basically the leader of the Labour Party,” said one insider. “It’s a silent coup. He’s getting his own people in, isolating and picking off the old guard around Corbyn.”

The power grab has emerged before MPs vote on a second