Labour was in chaos on Sunday after the party's chairman warned moderate MPs could be purged and that none "have a divine right" to serve under Jeremy Corbyn.

Ian Lavery, who was in charge of Labour's election campaign, hinted that MPs could be de-selected if they do not agree with Mr Corbyn's plans as it emerged the move could accelerate plans for a new party.

Rumours that senior Labour MPs are working behind the scenes to build a new movement which would be seen as a more centrist version of Labour were circulating amid the chaos.