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Reading’s council of trades unions has thrown its weight behind Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

They have written an open letter to the Labour leader, now facing a leadership challenge, in which they urge the two challengers to stand down.

They say: “Dear Jeremy Corbyn MP, We, the executive committee of the Reading Trades Union Council, are writing to you following a unanimous decision of the RTUC General Meeting of July 12, 2016, to declare our wholehearted support for your leadership of the Labour Party.

“You were elected leader of the Labour Party nine months ago on the first ballot with 59.5 per cent of members’ votes in a four-candidate race, a mandate for leadership far in excess of any other contemporary British party leader. "

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The letter goes on: “We consider, therefore, the recent resignations from your Shadow Cabinet and the challenge to your leadership by Angela Eagle MP and Owen Smith MP as acts of gross betrayal.

“Reading Trades Union Council urge you to remain steadfast in your determination to lead the Labour Party to general election victory.

“We urge Ms Eagle and Mr Smith to withdraw their challenges to your leadership and show loyalty to you, the overwhelming choice of Labour Party members for party leader.

We send you our solidarity.”

The letter is signed by John Partington, the communications officer of RTUC.