MPs fear Labour could face '˜political oblivion'

Ian Lucas has written to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Picture: PA

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas, a former junior business minister, has written to Mr Corbyn urging him to stand aside and telling him he has “no understanding of the issues that face us and can never present the credible Labour response that is essential at this crucial time”.

Mr Lucas, who posted the letter on Facebook, said he had “no confidence” in Mr Corbyn’s leadership.

He wrote: “Your approach to the referendum and its result has convinced me that you have no understanding of the issues that face us and can never present the credible Labour response that is essential at this crucial time.

“I have no confidence in your leadership. I have not spoken out before but now believe that the time has come for you to accept that you cannot provide the leadership that our party and our country needs.

“I do hope that you will, in the national interest, stand aside.”

Senior backbencher Dame Margaret Hodge said Labour is facing the prospect of “political oblivion” under the leadership of Mr Corbyn.

Dame Margaret, who has tabled a motion of no confidence in the Labour leader, warned that he is “standing in the way” of the party reconnecting with voters.

In a joint letter to all Labour MPs with fellow backbencher Ann Coffey, who seconded the no confidence motion, they again urged him to consider his position.

It said: “If a general election is called later this year, which is a very real prospect, we believe that under Jeremy’s leadership we could be looking at political oblivion.”