Jeremy Corbyn could be forced to sack one of his closest allies as he faces a Brexit rebellion by more than 50 Labour MPs.

The Labour leader has imposed a three-line whip requiring his MPs to support legislation that will enable the Government to trigger Brexit.

It means he could be forced to sack Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary who did not vote on Article 50 last week because she said she had a migraine.

Clive Lewis, the shadow business secretary, could also be forced to quit the front bench after the Government rejected Labour’s amendments.