Len McClusky and the general secretaries of unions Unison and the GMB have come out in support of Jeremy Corbyn after news that "peace talks" had broken down, and a formal leadership challenge could be expected imminently.

McClusky called Tom Watson's statement earlier today, in which the deputy leader said he believed there "is little to be achieved by pursuing wider conversations with our union affiliates at this time", "deeply disigengenuous".

According to New Statesman political editor George Eaton, Unison and the GMB then followed suit, pledging their support to Corbyn at today's Durham Miner's Gala.

Union support could be crucial in deciding whether or not Corbyn has an automatic place on the leadership ballot in the event of a challenge. The party is believed to have conflicting legal advice on the subject, with the final decision likely to be taken by Labour's NEC, of which several seats are occupied by trade union representatives.

Read McClusky's full statement below.