VETERAN MP Dennis Skinner has branded infighting among Labour Party colleagues as ‘petty’.

The 84-year-old socialist stalwart spoke exclusively to The Northern Echo ahead of the 132nd Durham Miners’ Gala on Saturday.

A gala favourite and long term supporter of the Big Meeting, the ‘Beast of Bolsover’ is once again addressing crowds from the platform on Durham Racecourse.

Party leader Jeremy Corbyn was last week given a vote of ‘no confidence’ by MPs, 172-40, following the UK’s referendum decision to leave the European Union.

The Islington MP was blamed for a ‘lacklustre’ Remain campaign, and the backlash led to widespread shadow cabinet resignations.

Mr Skinner, who was elected in 1970, said: “I think it is petty. Everybody, before they do things like that, should consult their local Labour Party that sent them there.

“That has probably not been done by everybody, maybe by some.

“The Parliamentary Labour Party should not assume importance all on its own.

“If Corbyn decides to carry on, he will be re-elected by a very large majority. He has had the biggest majority in my lifetime as a MP and I have been here since 1970. The forecasts are that it will happen again.”

This year, following a tumultuous fortnight in politics, organisers estimate there could be as many as 150,000 in the city.

The atmosphere is expected to be highly charged following the controversial vote for ‘Brexit’, which led to the Prime Minister’s resignation and the divisions in Labour, as well as the criticism of Tony Blair in the Iraq Inquiry report on Wednesday.

Mr Skinner replaced Tom Watson, deputy leader of the Labour Party, as a speaker at this year’s event.

He said: “It is the greatest organised meeting of labour in Britain. I have never been to Durham with a set speech ever.

“The events are changing and you might write a speech out and it might not be very significant by the time you get to Saturday.”

Mr Corbyn, who is expected as a guest speaker at Durham Marriott Hotel Gala Fringe event tonight, spoke to the Northern Echo about the Big Meeting earlier this year.

He said: “I love the Gala, for its traditions and its past and all of the things that go with it. It is about the tradition of the pits, but it has now become a massive north of England community festival.”