Jeremy Corbyn has been kept away from campaigning in next week's crucial Stoke-on-Trent Central by-election because he is "not a plus on the doorstep”, senior Labour figures say.

Labour is preparing for a double set back by losing the Copeland by election and the Stoke by-election, which are both being held a week on February 23.

Losing both seats would plunge Mr Corbyn's leadership into a fresh crisis after a week which has seen his authority tested over his backing for Brexit.