Labour leadership favourite Sir Keir Starmer is planning a "scorched earth" removal of Jeremy Corbyn's allies from the Shadow Cabinet and leader's office, it has been reported.

Sir Keir, who is likely to be elected as Mr Corbyn's replacement on Saturday (April 4), will request the departure of Mr Corbyn's chief of staff Karie Murphy and party General Secretary Jennie Formby over their handling of alleged bullying and antisemitism by party members, the Sunday Times reported.

The paper also reported that Sir Keir had given "legal and financial support" to the whistleblowers who spoke to BBC Panorama about antisemitism within the party, who began legal proceedings against the party after it attacked them as "disaffected former officials".

One of them was told any legal threat from the party against him would immediately be rescinded immediately on his election.

Speaking to the JC earlier this month, Sir Keir said he would meet with the chief rabbi to help heal the rift between the party and the Jewish community.

"It is an important relationship and it has to be restored. I would meet with anybody to restore trust," he said.