Labour crisis: MPs line up to quit over Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership
A STRING of Labour MPs could quit in despair at Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.
Tristram Hunt expresses concern about Labour's future
Many moderates are threatening to follow Tristram Hunt, who stood down last week to take up the job of director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, triggering a by-election in his vulnerable constituency in Stoke.
The former shadow education secretary, who had hoped to succeed Ed Miliband as leader in 2015, has been fiercely critical of Mr Corbyn and the direction in which he has taken the party.
(L to R) Tristram Hunt, Jeremy Corbyn and Jamie Reed
Jeremy Corbyn insists he doesn't need to be 'rebooted'
Some are actively considering their futures given how long it could be before Labour have any prospect of power
His resignation comes just weeks after fellow Labour MP and arch-Corbyn critic Jamie Reed announced he was standing down from his Copeland constituency to take up a role in the nuclear industry.
Younger MPs who have not carved out business careers are said to be particularly tempted to cut and run.
Many have been threatened with deselection for not adhering to Mr Corbyn’s hard-Left doctrine while others fear they may face at least two more general elections before Labour has a chance of winning again.
Some MPs have been threatened with deselection for not adhering to Mr Corbyn’s hard-Left doctrine
One Labour MP said: “Some are actively considering their futures given how long it could be before Labour have any prospect of power.”
William Hill has offered odds of 10-11 that six or fewer Labour MPs will resign in the coming year.