THE Labour party’s civil war has reached Bolton with politicians and union chiefs clashing over the future of under-pressure leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The last two days has seen a mass-exodus of shadow cabinet members who are calling for Mr Corbyn to step down in the wake of what they believe was a lacklustre bid to keep the UK in the European Union.

It is looking increasingly likely that a leadership contest will take place and elected members in Bolton are backing calls for a change in leadership.

Bolton North East MP David Crausby and senior Cllr Nick Peel have been among those to speak out — with Harper Green Cllr Susan Haworth now joining them.

Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi has refused to be drawn into the debate about Mr Corbyn’s leadership at this stage.

Cllr Haworth said that both Mr Corbyn but his shadow chancellor and long-term friend John McDonell should also step down.

Cllr Haworth said: “A significant number of the Labour shadow cabinet have now left post so I would welcome the resignation of Jeremy Corbyn

“But I will go further; I wish to see the resignation of the Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell who is just pushing for replacements.

She added: “As a leader you have to have the confidence, admiration and respect of the vast majority of your team, which Corbyn lacks.”

The stances taken by Labour MPs — including Mr Crausby — have been strongly criticised by Bolton’s biggest union, Unison, which said it backs Mr Corbyn fully.

Assistant branch chair, Andrea Egan said: “Our position is that we absolutely support Jeremy Corbyn and we think it is incredulous that we are seeing all of this in-fighting at this time.

“We will be putting a motion forward to confirm our support for a leader that is the closest to our hearts of any recent leader — he speaks our language and we will do everything we can to support him.”

She said the union was “deeply disappointed” in MPs, including Mr Crausby for not showing support to the leader.

She added: “Jeremy was elected on a huge mandate from Labour members and it is disgusting to see the way that Labour MPs are behaving.

“We are very disappointed to see the comments from David Crausby and would question what mandate he has on this issue.”

Mr Crausby said he understood some would disagree with his stance, but maintained that he feels fresh leadership is needed.

He added: “I know there are those who don’t agree with my position, but I have a responsibility to express my opinion — people expect that of me and if I am asked a question I will answer it honestly.

“I do believe a change is needed, it is nothing personal and I think Jeremy is a decent and principled man.

“But I do not believe he is the man to lead us into an incredibly important General Election.”

His Labour colleague Ms Qureshi, who represents Bolton South East, said she did not want to comment on the situation at the current time.