The Democratic Party says it will give trailing presidential contender Bernie Sanders a prominent say in writing its platform this year, a gesture that could ease tensions between his camp and party leaders.

Key points: Committee will draft the platform before it is voted upon by delegates at the convention

Committee will draft the platform before it is voted upon by delegates at the convention Senator Sanders to name five committee members, Mrs Clinton six and party chairwoman four

Senator Sanders to name five committee members, Mrs Clinton six and party chairwoman four Clinton campaign pleased to see Senator Sanders represented

The Vermont senator will be allowed to name five members to the 15-member committee that writes the platform at the party's national convention in late July in Philadelphia — even if he is not the nominee. His rival Hillary Clinton will get to name six.

The party said in a statement the split was based on the results of state votes to date "in an effort to make this the most representative and inclusive process in history."

Mrs Clinton has won 54 per cent of the delegates who decide the party's nominee, while Mr Sanders has 46 per cent.

Responding in a statement, Mr Sanders recalled some of his criticisms of Mrs Clinton, whom he has suggested is vulnerable to influence by corporate donors to her campaign, which she denies.

"We believe that we will have the representation on the platform drafting committee to create a Democratic platform that reflects the views of millions of our supporters ... and not just Wall Street, the drug companies, the fossil fuel industry and other powerful special interests," he said.

The Clinton campaign said it was pleased to see Mr Sanders represented, describing the party as a "big tent".

"Hillary Clinton is committed to continue welcoming different perspectives and ideas," spokesman Brian Fallon said in a statement.

Sorry, this video has expired Bernie Sanders' West Virginia victory speech

Mr Sanders has remained steadfast in his long-shot battle with Mrs Clinton for the Democratic nomination for the November presidential election, even though he lags her in the delegate count with only a few state contests remaining.

The divisiveness among the Democrats stands in contrast to the Republicans, whose party leaders are gradually rallying behind Donald Trump, their presumptive nominee.

Democratic Party chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz will name the committee's final four members who will draft the language of the platform before it is voted upon by delegates at the convention.

Mr Sanders did little to dispel the acrimony between himself and the party — which he joined only last year after more than two decades in Congress as an independent — when he said over the weekend that he was endorsing Ms Wasserman Schultz's Democratic opponent this August in her Florida congressional district.

The party's rules allow the chair to name all 15 members of the committee, suggesting it was making an effort to accommodate Mr Sanders and his fervent supporters who still pack rallies by the thousands as he campaigns in California, which will hold its primaries on June 7.

Reuters