Jeremy Corbyn will remain Labour leader until April 4, almost four months since the election result, the party has announced.

Following a meeting of the party's ruling National Executive Committee, a Labour spokeswoman said the next leader would be chosen in a contest that will begin with the opening of nominations tomorrow and conclude with the announcement of a new leader on April 4.

The meeting came amid a flurry of speculation that hard left party officials would attempt to install their preferred "continuity Corbyn" candidate by preventing entryists from joining the party to vote for moderate candidates like Jess Phillips.

Tom Watson, former deputy leader, attacked Rebecca Long-Bailey for representing "Corbynism in its purest sense" and said he "worried" about the party being led by the hard left Ms Long-Bailey.

Angela Rayner, the Shadow Education Secretary and Ms Long-Bailey's flatmate, announced she was running to be deputy leader, and would support her friend.

Hitting back at the claims, Ms Rayner said that Ms Long-Bailey was “nobody’s continuity”, adding: “As two northern women I can tell you that we won’t be told we’re continuity anything from any man.”

She continued: “As a northern, working-class lass I’ve been underestimated and told my place ever since I was born. I’m sure Rebecca will set out who she is and if she decides to stand she will get my support.”