New Pictures Labour membership plunges by 150,000 amid backlash over Corbyn's handling of Brexit

Labour's membership has plunged by around 150,000 amid fury at Jeremy Corbyn's Brexit stance it was claimed today.

Senior officials have dismissed the reports in today's Sunday Times that the number of paid-up activists stands at around 385,000 - down from a peak of more 500,000 in 2017  

Party membership is constantly evolving as subscriptions lapse and people join but members are continuing to walk away Brexit.

Labour's coffers have been hit by around £6million because of the sinking numbers of members.  

Labour membership has plunged by around 150,000 amid fury at Jeremy Corbyn's (pictured in Hastings on Thursday) handling of Brexit, it was claimed today

In response to the reports, shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett insisted membership was rising every week 

Mr Corbyn has angered many of his MPs and activists by refusing to endorse a new referendum that could stop Brexit - insisting he wants an election and to deliver Brexit on his own terms. 

Many Labour voters in the north of England voted Leave and Mr Corbyn faces losing votes either way - but polls suggest hesitation is also irritating the electorate. 

The source told the Sunday Times: 'The party is skint. There have already been some recriminations about the amount spent on last summer's botched music festival Labour Live.

'Although there is always some dropoff in membership after big events like general elections, or a leadership contest, this is more than you would ordinarily expect and has led many of us to think it's linked to Jeremy's unpopular stance on Brexit.' 

A source said Labour could even struggle to fund a new election battle if Mr Corbyn achieves his desire to force one.

They said: 'A second referendum would be welcomed by much of the party's remaining membership and help avoid a further drain on its dwindling coffers,' they added.

Party general secretary Jennie Formby said the reports were a 'total fabrication' while shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett insisted membership was rising every week. 

Ms Formby said: 'More people are joining Labour every week than resigning.

'I’m proud to be GS of a mass membership party that is building a social movement for change.'  

Mr Trickett said: 'The suggestion that we have lost large numbers of members in one of today’s papers is totally untrue.

'As a member of Labours NEC I can say this with absolute certainty. In fact, at the present time we are still growing each week, and each month.'  

In a signal of continued splits, shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer (pictured at the Fabian conference yesterday) hinted that Labour could campaign for a second referendum if an agreement on the Brexit deal isn't struck by the end of the month

In a signal of continued splits, shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer yesterday hinted that Labour could campaign for a second referendum if an agreement on the Brexit deal isn't struck by the end of the month. 

Mr Starmer also again made it clear that he believed that in the event of a second referendum, the option of remaining in the EU must be on the ballot paper.

He said: 'I don't think it is any secret I firmly believe there should be a Remain option - and there has to be a genuine Leave option.'

Following the defeat of Theresa May's Brexit deal, Sir Starmer said the choice lay between instructing the Government to negotiate a close economic relationship with the EU based on a customs union, and a further public vote.  

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News Photo Labour membership plunges by 150,000 amid backlash over Corbyn's handling of Brexit 
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