Tony Blair will be the keynote speaker at the Board of Deputies’ annual fundraising dinner in November.

The former Prime Minister has been a vocal critic of Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour leadership, describing the ongoing antisemitism row as a “truly shameful episode”, and the “alienation” of Jews a “terrible thing to have done”.

Marie van der Zyl, the Board’s president, announced Mr Blair as the guest speaker during a plenary meeting in London on Sunday.

She said: “Tony Blair has very graciously accepted our offer to be the guest of honour. And this is very, very important for us, deputies, at a time when antisemitism in the Labour Party shows no sign of ending.

“It’s worth reminding ourselves that Tony Blair – Prime Minister for a decade, he won three elections – was always there for us. He was always a friend of the Jewish community and a staunch supporter of the State of Israel.

“In our ongoing battle with the Labour Party leadership and its appalling record on anti-Jewish racism, Tony Blair has consistently been outspoken and bravely supported – and continues to support – the Jewish people. We are very grateful to you, Tony Blair, for giving up your time to come to the dinner.”

Mr Blair, who led the Labour Party between 1994 and 2007, will be interviewed on stage by an as-yet unconfirmed “leading broadcast journalist”.