Jeremy Corbyn will defend his Labour leadership at a rally on Saturday
Jeremy Corbyn is set to defend his leadership of the Labour Party after nine MPs quit this week.
The MPs quit to become independents with concerns over Corbyn’s approach to Brexit and the wider allegations of anti-semitism within the party.
Corbyn is expected to remind supporters of the huge support he received at the 2017 general election with speculation that there could be further resignations, according to Sky News.
Read more: Cabinet ministers issue Brexit delay warning
He will also attack defectors who joined the Independent Group, which is also compromised of former Conservative Party members.
The Labour leader is expected to make a speech at a rally in the Broxtowe constituency of Anna Soubry, one of the Conservative defectors.
"Over the last few years, Labour's membership has grown dramatically and set our party on a new course. I understand why that has been difficult for some,” he will say, reported Sky News.
"As leader of the party it's necessary of course to listen to the concerns of our MPs as well as our members and affiliates.
"I'm disappointed that a small number of Labour MPs have decided to leave our party and join forces with disaffected Tories, who say they have no problem with austerity that has plunged thousands into desperate poverty and insecurity."
Soubry retained her seat in Broxtowe with a slim majority of 863 at the last election.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell will join Corbyn, along with shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry and shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon on Saturday.
Tom Watson, the deputy leader, is no expected to take part after warning that the party needs to change following the resignations.