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John McDonnell tonight encouraged left-wing activists to engage in protest action against Labour MPs who oppose Jeremy Corbyn .

The Shadow Chancellor told a rally in support of the Labour leader to "peacefully" protest against MPs involved in the 45-strong revolt in his front bench team.

He said: "Now a number of MPs have complained that people have been turning up in demonstrations to express their view.

"Some have described it as rabble, or mob rule or whatever.

"Let me be clear. People have the right to peaceful protest. The protests will be peaceful, but the reason the protests are taking place is that we will not allow a handful of MPs to subvert Jeremy’s mandate."

Shortly after, McDonnell was dramatically confronted in Parliament's voting lobby by Labour Treasury Whip Conor McGinn over his words.

(Image: Jeff J Mitchell)

McGinn reportedly accused him of encouraging activists to demonstrate outside MPs' offices.

McDonnell denied it "and went red in the face before running off".

This afternoon, Ian Murray , who resigned from his job as Shadow Scottish Secretary yesterday, cornered Mr Corbyn over people who have been protesting outside his office.

He urged the party's leader to "call off the dogs."

After hearing Mr McDonnell's speech, Mr Murray told the Mirror: "It doesn't look like they're discouraging it"

A spokesperson for John McDonnell told the Mirror the Shadow Chancellor's words were not intended to encourage protests outside MPs offices.

(Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Jeremy Corbyn has seen 46 members of his top teams resign in under 48 hours.

A meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party held in Westminster tonight was described as "carnage."

MPs were reportedly "begging and pleading" with Corbyn to step down.

Mr Corbyn also spoke to the hundreds-strong protest outside parliament, giving a wide-ranging speech which did not specifically reference the mutiny engulfing his leadership.