Two backbench Labour MPs have tabled a motion of no confidence in their leader Jeremy Corbyn
Two of Labour's senior backbenchers have tabled a motion of no confidence in Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn following the UK's vote to leave the EU.
Margaret Hodge, former chair of the public accounts committee, tabled the motion, which was seconded by Stockport MP Ann Coffey.
The pair have authored a letter to Parliamentary Labour Party chair John Cryer which reportedly calls for a discussion at the next meeting of the PLP, currently set for 18.00 on Monday.
If accepted for debate, it will trigger a secret ballot of Labour MPs on Tuesday.
Speaking on Sky News this afternoon, Hodge said that the referendum result showed Corbyn had been unable to connect with the voters.
"Its just for the best of the nation and the party. I hope there will be overwhelming support for this motion and I hope Jeremy will do the decent thing and resign," Hodge said.
Corbyn has faced heavy criticism for his role in the European referendum campaign, and in particular his regular expressions of concern on the direction of the EU.
A study from Loughborough University earlier this month found that the party's senior figures had been “almost invisible” in the Brexit debate.
In response to the challenge, Corbyn backers have set up an online petition to show their support for the leader.
More than 36,000 people had signed the petition at time of writing.
A Labour party spokeswoman declined to comment.