Corbyn wields the axe as three frontbenchers sacked

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has demoted three members of his shadow cabinet after 50 MPs rebelled in a vote on whether to stay in the single market post-Brexit.

Prominent Labour backbencher Chuka Umunna proposed an amendment to the Queen’s Speech which backed calls for the UK to remain part of the single market despite its departure from the bloc.

Shadow housing ministers Andy Slaughter and Ruth Cadbury were joined by Foreign Office shadow minister Catherine West in getting the sack from Corbyn just weeks after a strong performance in the general election.

Shadow transport minister Daniel Zeichner resigned before the vote as he said he had to back the amendment.

Corbyn took the hard line with his frontbenchers as leaving the single market has been Labour’s policy since the election campaign.

Cadbury said she was aware voting for the amendment would lead to the loss of her position.

"The amendment ruled out withdrawing from the EU without a deal, sought a parliamentary vote on the final negotiations, and proposed remaining in the customs union and single market,” she told the BBC.

"Only then can we protect jobs, trade and certainty for business, as well as protecting the rights of EU citizens, with reciprocal rights for UK citizens."

Corbyn has faced a series of rebellions within his ranks since he took over as Labour leader in 2015, including facing a leadership challenge last year.