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An ally of Jeremy Corbyn has apologised after being taped accusing Jewish "Trump fanatics" of "making up information" on social media in the party's anti-Semitism row.

Pete Willsman was branded a "loud-mouthed bully" by Labour's deputy leader and faced a call to be suspended after the outburst at a meeting of the party's ruling body - which he sits on.

During his rant he declared he had "certainly never seen" anti-Semitism in the Labour Party, and asked NEC members to raise their hands if they had.

But he admitted tonight that he was "of course" aware of "appalling instances of anti-semitism" in the party.

And he agreed to refer himself for "equalities training".

In a statement, Mr Willsman said: "I am sorry for my behaviour in the last meeting of Labour’s NEC, which I deeply regret. Having sat on the NEC for many years, I am of course aware of appalling instances of anti-semitism within our party, and am wholly determined to rooting it out of our movement.

“I do not believe anti-semitism is ‘widespread’ in the Labour party, and that was what my comments were trying to refer to, but we do have a problem and it needs stamping out. One anti-semite is one too many. I recognise the offensive nature of my comments and that in diminishing the experiences of those who face anti-semitism in our party and society, I showed a lack of the sensitivity required for discussions around racism.

"I will be referring myself to receive equalities training so I can better understand how to approach discussions of such issues in a respectful way.”

The leaked recording came from a lengthy summit attended by Mr Corbyn on July 17, where Labour's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) approved a code on anti-Semitism.

Two sources who were at the meeting confirmed the comments were by Mr Willsman.

The code has been criticised for not reproducing the full definition of anti-Semitism used by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

Labour sources argue the party's code goes further. But a day before the meeting 68 rabbis warned anti-Semitism in Labour was "severe and widespread" and the IHRA code must be adopted in full.

The 52-second tape leaked to the Jewish Chronicle begins mid-sentence, where Mr Willsman can be heard saying: "They can falsify social media very easily."

It is not clear who "they" refers to, but he is then heard saying: "And some of these people in the Jewish community support Trump.

"They are Trump fanatics and all the rest of it.

"So I am not going to be lectured to by Trump fanatics making up [unclear word - possibly 'daft'] information without any evidence at all.

"So I think we should ask the 70 rabbis: 'Where is your evidence of severe and widespread anti-Semitism in this party?'

"Let me ask you a question. How many people in this room have seen anti-Semitism in the Labour Party ?

"Put your hands up. Right. [Pause] I’m amazed. I’ve certainly never seen any."

(Image: PA)

Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson tweeted: "For the avoidance of doubt: Peter Willsman is and always has been a loud mouthed bully. He disgusts me.”

Board of Deputies of British Jews President Marie van der Zyl demanded Mr Willsman was “summarily expelled” for his “disgusting rant”.

Labour MP Luciana Berger said Labour should suspend Mr Willsman and conduct a "formal investigation".

"Anyone listening to this recording will be appalled to hear the venom and fury directed by Mr Willsman at the British Jewish community," she said.

"Mr Willsman only has to take a look at his NEC papers or the many recent press reports to see evidence of antisemitism in the Labour Party.”

Labour MP Anna McMorrin said: "This blatant racism is a disgrace and completely unacceptable.”

However, a source close to Jeremy Corbyn said Mr Willsman had already given a full apology, showed he "understood why his behaviour wasn't appropriate" and "the matter has been resolved".

(Image: Christopher Furlong)

When rumours of his remarks, but not the recording, first emerged, Mr Willsman said: "I deeply apologise for any offence caused to those present and those to whom my remarks were reported."

He added at the time that not all reports of his remarks had been accurate, but "I accept that what I did say, and the way I said it, fell short of the requirement, which I accept, for discussions of contentious issues to be conducted in a fully civil and respectful way.

"I deeply apologise for any offence caused to those present and those to whom my remarks were reported."

One source who was at the meeting confirmed the comments were by Mr Willsman, saying: "He had zero support and much condemnation."

Another source said the meeting lasted more than two hours and Mr Corbyn was confronted by NEC member Margaret Beckett, who told him only he could resolve the row. The source claimed Mr Corbyn said nothing in response to the challenge.

A Labour spokesman said: “We don’t comment on individual cases.”

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Why the row could have political fallout

The row comes mid-way through a crucial election by for nine members of the party's ruling NEC.

Labour members are choosing between two competing 'slates' of nine candidates each - one backed by the Blairite group Progress and Labour First, the other backed by Corbynite group Momentum and the Campaign for Labour Party Democracy.

The Momentum group includes Mr Willsman and has dubbed itself the 'JC9'.

In addition to the two slates, Ann Black - who until recently chaired Labour's disputes panel - and comedian-activist Eddie Izzard are both standing for re-election.

The JC9 are widely expected to win - but any drifting of support for Willsman could open the door for Black or Izzard.

Since the tape emerged, Mr Willsman has been disowned by some prominent Corbyn supporters including Owen Jones, Matt Zarb-Cousin and Ash Sarkar.

"He may well be vulnerable," one powerful Jeremy Corbyn ally told the Mirror.

Other Corbyn supporters, including the MP Chris Williamson, were continuing to urge members to vote for Mr Willsman at 9pm last night, more than two hours after the tape emerged.

Labour MP Yvette Cooper said Mr Willsman's comments were "appalling" and called on Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to ask him to stand down as an NEC candidate.